“Messi left for precautionary reasons and worries Argentina before the World Cup.”

Lionel Messi raises alarm bells 15 days before the World Cup: substituted and concerns multiply

Inter Miami put on an offensive spectacle by defeating Philadelphia Union 6-4, but the big news of the night was not the goals—it was Lionel Messi’s early exit, which sent fans and experts into a panic with less than three weeks until the start of the 2026 World Cup.

The Argentine genius, an eight-time world player of the year, had to leave the pitch in the 73rd minute after grabbing the back of his left leg, a sight that quickly fueled speculation about a possible serious injury. Although he walked off slowly and seemingly without difficulty, the situation remains alarming for the Argentine national team, which counts him as one of its greatest assets.

“The player was tired, the pitch was heavy, and when there are doubts, the protocol is always to preserve and avoid unnecessary risks,” explained Inter Miami coach Hoyos at the press conference after the match. “We still don’t have the medical report, but from what I understood, he was really exhausted,” he added, trying to minimize the impact of the substitution.

However, the question remains: is this merely a precaution from the coach or a sign of a physical problem that could jeopardize Messi’s participation in the World Cup? The Argentine star is on the preliminary list of 55 players called up for the tournament, and the expectation is that he will be among the final 26 chosen by coach Lionel Scaloni, whose definitive list will be announced next week.

Argentina, which has Messi as its beacon and greatest hope for achieving a third World Cup title, cannot afford surprises at this crucial stage. With the countdown to the kick-off of the 2026 World Cup underway, the star’s physical condition is one of the biggest uncertainties in the international sports landscape.

This unexpected substitution raises a red flag for fans, the coaching staff, and Messi himself, whose health may be the decisive factor in the outcome of the competition. The coming hours and medical examinations will be crucial in dispelling or confirming the atmosphere of apprehension that has already settled in the world of football.

This article first appeared on [Apito Final](https://apitofinal.pt/).