Lionel Messi had to be substituted during an MLS match on Monday. There were fears that a torn muscle fiber might have caused the Argentine superstar to miss the World Cup. Following examinations in Miami, it now appears the all-clear has been given.
It will most likely be his last World Cup: Lionel Messi wants to compete in the most important soccer tournament of all for the sixth time in his career as the reigning world champion. On Monday, this Argentine farewell tour on the World Cup stage was put in jeopardy when Messi had to be substituted during Miami’s MLS victory over Philadelphia (6-4). He grabbed his thigh—a torn muscle fiber was feared. Immediately after the game, Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos was unable to provide any further details. Messi’s thigh has now been examined in Miami.
Minor muscle injury in the back of the thigh
The Argentine newspaper La Nacion reports that doctors gave the all-clear after the examination. It is merely a minor muscle injury in the left back of the thigh. Messi is now advised to reduce his workload and take a ten-day break so that he will be ready to play again for the World Cup. This information has been confirmed by other Argentine media outlets.
This means Messi could even participate in Argentina’s friendly matches. The defending World Cup champions will face Honduras on June 7 (2 a.m.) and Iceland on June 10 (3 a.m.) in North America ahead of the tournament. At the World Cup, Messi and Co. will face Algeria (June 17, 3 a.m.), Austria (June 22, 7 p.m.), and Jordan (June 28, 4 a.m.) in Group J.