What is Lionel Messi’s injury? Inter Miami explains why Argentina football star left match early

Inter Miami have ruled out any serious injury for Argentina superstar Lionel Messi after the forward was forced to leave the pitch midway through the club's 6-4 win against Philadelphia Union on Sunday. Messi's departure from the field so close to the World Cup has raised concerns among Argentina fans.

There are fears that the 38-year-old Messi may have suffered a significant hamstring injury before defending champions Argentina open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Alegria on 17 June.

But Inter Miami has now allayed some of the fears.

Is Lionel Messi seriously injured?

Inter Miami on Monday stated in a club statement that Messi was forced to leave the pitch due to "physical discomfort" and that the initial diagnosis indicates that he is suffering from "overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring."

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In a big relief for fans, the statement has clarified that it's not a serious hamstring injury.

"Inter Miami CF’s captain had to leave the field yesterday, Sunday, May 24, during the match against Philadelphia Union, due to physical discomfort.

After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring," the statement read.

The club added that Messi's return to the football pitch will depend "on his clinical and functional progress."

What is hamstring overload injury?

For the unversed, a hamstring overload injury is not the same as a hamstring tear or strain, but it is all related. However, it's easier and quicker to recover from an overload injury as compared to a tear or strain.

The common causes for hamstring muscles becoming overloaded are a heavy workload in a short time span and a lack of recovery. However, the good news is that the hamstring is not severely damaged, and ample rest should help Messi recover in time.