Lionel Messi remains at the center of an injury scare just weeks before the World Cup after medical tests revealed he has muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, Inter Miami announced on Monday.
Information from the Major League Soccer (MLS) club did not provide a clear timetable for the return of the Argentine superstar after he suddenly left in the 6-4 victory of Miami against Philadelphia in the 73rd minute on Sunday.
The 38-year-old star of the defending World Cup champions grabbed the back of his left leg and begged to leave, but was seen walking normally as he left for the dressing room.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, preliminary tests show muscle overload associated with fatigue in the muscles of his left thigh,” Inter Miami said in a statement.
“The timing of his return to fitness will depend on his clinical progress and performance.”
That gave little indication of the status of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as Argentina prepares to defend the title in the World Cup tournament to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico starting on June 11.
