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Lionel Messi is hoping for one last ride to a championship as he prepares for what is fully expected to be his last World Cup, but an apparent injury suffered Sunday night could throw a wrench into Argentina's plans.
Messi grabbed at the back of his leg and asked for a substitute before walking off the field after a free kick against Philadelphia Union on Sunday.
Inter Miami was playing its final game before the World Cup when Messi exited. The MLS season is set to break through July 16, beginning Monday.
Here's what you need to know about Messi's injury and when his first World Cup game would be.
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Lionel Messi injury update
Messi grabbed the back of his leg and asked for a substitute after a free kick during Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union on Sunday night. He appeared to walk back without any significant limp.
Lionel Messi took a free-kick and instantly grabbed the back of his leg, before leaving the match against the worst team in MLS in the 73rd minute.
Worrying times for the legend ahead of the World Cup — which he has been doing extra training for.pic.twitter.com/Qo6R9lXIlI
The back of the leg is where the hamstring is located, but Messi's exact injury wasn't immediately clear.
Insider Fabrizio Romano reported Inter Miami will "assess" the injury, but the club hasn't yet provided an update.
🚨⚠️ Leo Messi left the pitch with suspect injury during his last game for Inter Miami before the 2026 World Cup.
Inter Miami staff to assess his issue. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/m5bw09nIam
Inter Miami was even with Philadelphia in a high-scoring affair at the time of the injury but went on to win 6-4 after Messi's exit.
MORE: Full schedule of games for Group J, featuring Argentina
When does the World Cup begin?
Argentina's World Cup journey is set to begin on June 16 with a match against Algeria in Kansas City. That's 23 days, or a little more than three weeks, from Sunday night's apparent injury.
Argentina hasn't revealed its World Cup roster yet, but Messi is set to be a focal point of the squad even at this late stage of his international career.
MORE: When will Argentina announce World Cup roster?
How old is Lionel Messi?
Messi is 38 years old and will turn 39 in June, right in the middle of group play during Argentina's World Cup run.
Even as he nears 40, Messi is considered an outstanding player and is coming off back-to-back MLS MVP seasons. Messi fully expects this year's World Cup to be his last.
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