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Iceland on June 9 in the United States. Their title defence officially starts against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, Missouri. The South American giants will also face Austria and Jordan in Group J.

The 38-year-old forward was forced off during Inter Miami’s thrilling 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union on Sunday after appearing to clutch the back of his left thigh in the 73rd minute. Messi immediately headed down the tunnel, raising fears over his availability for Argentina’s World Cup campaign.

In a statement released on Monday, the Major League Soccer club said medical examinations revealed “an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” although no specific timeline was provided for his recovery.

“The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,” the club added.

Messi, who inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago, remains central to the team’s hopes despite questions surrounding his fitness. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player during Argentina’s triumphant campaign, which secured the nation’s first world title since 1986.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi’s workload has been carefully managed, with the club often resting him during congested schedules. With MLS currently on a World Cup break, Argentina’s medical staff will now closely monitor the veteran playmaker’s condition ahead of what is widely expected to be his sixth and final World Cup appearance.