Will the Argentine star be able to participate in the World Cup which starts on June 11th?

Lionel Messi is suffering from "overwork associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring," his club Inter Miami announced on Monday, less than three weeks before the World Cup.

The day before, the 38-year-old Argentine star had asked to leave during a match against the Philadelphia Union in MLS after clutching the back of his left thigh.

"After undergoing further medical examinations this Monday, the preliminary diagnosis indicates overwork associated with muscle fatigue in the left hamstring," according to a medical statement from Inter Miami.

"The return to physical activity will depend on the evolution of his clinical and functional condition," the club added.

This news is rather reassuring for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, as the statement did not mention a muscle tear or other serious injury, which would be a huge blow for Argentina, the reigning world champions.

Lionel Messi has carefully managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with the staff regularly exempting him from matches during particularly busy calendar periods.

He has made several trips to the infirmary in recent years due to hamstring problems, which forced him to miss part of Miami's preparation earlier this year.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin on June 11 and run until July 19. Argentina, in Group J with Algeria, Jordan, and Austria, will defend their title won in Qatar in 2022, starting on June 16.

If he were to be included in the final list of coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi would be taking part in his sixth World Cup.