Messi World Cup participation chances take a hit as concerning update emerges after injury scare

Lionel Messi's participation chances for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have witnessed a sharp drop in the betting markets following an injury scare that the Argentinian legend suffered on Sunday.

Messi walked back to the dressing room in discomfort with an issue with his hamstring in Inter Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union in the Major League Soccer. The match was Messi's last before his much-anticipated appearance at a record-equaliing sixth football World Cup. However, the injury scare has put fresh doubts over his participation in the 48-team event.

Messi's chances of World Cup appearance drop sharply

Messi was substituted in the 74th minute with Mateo Silvetti taking his place on the pitch. He walked off on his own but signalled discomfort and went straight to the dressing room instead of witnessing the remainder of the high-scoring encounter.

Following the incident, Messi’s probability of featuring in Argentina’s World Cup campaign on the prediction market platform Polymarket fell from 96% to 90%. The 6% drop is a sharp one that reflects worries in the betting market regarding his participation in the showpiece event.

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The numbers could fall further if no encouraging signs emerge from Inter Miami or Argentina camp.

The La Albiceleste are yet to announce their squad for the World Cup with no confirmation over Messi's participation even though all signs signal towards the legend playing a key part in Argentina's title defence.

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos did not reveal much about Messi's health and said the legend was feeling tired.

“As far as I know, we don’t have a medical report on that yet, but we will have one shortly,” Hoyos said after the game. “He was genuinely suffering from fatigue in that regard — it is indeed fatigue. He was tired; the pitch was heavy and when in doubt, the standard approach is always to ensure you don’t take any risks.”

Argentina are scheduled to play their first game of the tournament in Kansas City on June 16, five days after the 48-team competition opens on June 11 in Mexico City.