Messi’s Early Exit Raises Concerns for World Cup Participation
Lionel Messi has sparked concerns regarding his participation in the upcoming World Cup after he made an early exit from Inter Miami’s match on Sunday night. The 38-year-old forward, who is widely expected to be part of Argentina’s squad for the tournament, left the field in the 73rd minute of a 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Argentina has not yet announced its final World Cup squad, which will begin on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, Messi’s hopes of playing in what could be his final World Cup may have been affected by his early exit from the game.
During the match, Messi had two assists, and German Berterame scored twice during a record-setting first half for Inter Miami. However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took himself out of play in the 71st minute when he reached toward his left hamstring at least once.
Instead of heading to the bench, Messi immediately walked down the tunnel to the locker room. He was seen walking under his own power, albeit slowly, and without any medical personnel accompanying him. Heavy rain began falling early in the second half, causing some players to slip on the turf. It remains unclear whether Messi’s departure was precautionary or if it was related to the weather conditions.
His international teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, who was celebrating his birthday, scored in stoppage time to seal the win for Inter Miami. Messi has previously stated that he would only participate in the World Cup if he is healthy. Argentina’s group stage matches begin on June 16, with their first game against Algeria in Kansas City.
Messi’s World Cup History
Messi has already participated in five World Cups, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player twice. His first win came in 2014, and he won again in 2022 when he led Argentina to the title. The Golden Ball award has only been given since 1982, but Messi is the only player to have won it twice.
Argentina is in Group J for the World Cup, with the following group stage matches:
* Algeria, at Kansas City, on June 16
* Austria, at Arlington, Texas, on June 22
* Jordan, back in Arlington, on June 27
If Argentina wins the group, which they are heavily favored to do, Messi would play in the Round of 32 match in Miami Gardens on July 3. The only other scenario where Messi could play in South Florida during the tournament is if Argentina qualifies for the third-place match on July 18.
