Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi had many Albiceleste fans worried on Saturday when he had to step off the field injured. Inter Miami has now confirmed the severity of the injury, which comes just over a month from what could be the star’s last game in Argentina.

Barely ten minutes had passed since the referee blew for kick off in the Leagues Cup duel between the Herons and Mexican outfit Necaxa, when Messi stopped jogging and sat on the ground. He had just darted into the defence and clashed with two defenders.

The Qatar 2022 winner cut a frustrated figure, hitting the ground in disbelief and looking none too impressed with the physio’s attempt at resolving the issue. He limped off the pitch shortly afterwards, but it wasn’t clear what the injury was or how seriously Messi was hurt.

Inter Miami brought some clarity on Monday, announcing that Messi had gone through “medical tests to evaluate the extent of the muscle discomfort he experienced” and confirming that he had suffered “a minor muscle injury in his right leg.”

Messi’s clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment, the statement said.

Worries for Scaloni and Argentina fans

Messi’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Argentina men’s national football team. The Albiceleste has long since secured its ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., but still has two World Cup Qualifiers commitments in September.

The first, in particular, could prove historic: Argentina is set to host Venezuela at the Monumental stadium, which could be the last time Messi represents the Albiceleste in an official game at home. After that, Lionel Scaloni’s team will tackle Ecuador away at Guayaquil, to wrap up its qualifiers campaign.

It will kick off a string of high-profile games for Argentina. First, the Albiceleste will match up against Spain in March to settle the Finalissima. It will be the second time Argentina has contested the trophy, which matches up the winners of the Copa América and UEFA European Football Championship. Argentina are the defending champions, having beaten Italy 3-0 in 2022. 

After that will come the final stretch of preparation games en route to the 2026 World Cup, any of which could be Messi’s last game for the national team.