Inter Miami’s official statement read: “After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress.”

All things considered, this is the best possible diagnosis regarding the status of Lionel Messi, and for Argentina, it is clear that this is a case of accumulated fatigue. This indicates that rest before the World Cup will be crucial for Messi, while ensuring he does not lose his rhythm, meaning he will surely arrive more than ready for the debut.

What happened to Messi?

The scene that sparked concern occurred in the second half of the match played at the Nu Stadium. Under heavy rain, Messi asked to come off while clutching his left hamstring area, and, following the substitution of Mateo Silvetti, he headed straight to the locker room.

Although the press release does not mention specific timelines, in principle, he will need between 10 and 14 days of reduced workload, a period that initially does not jeopardize his presence in the debut against Algeria on June 16 for the 2026 World Cup. With that estimated recovery time, it remains to be determined whether Messi will be able to feature in the upcoming friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland.

What’s next for Messi and Argentina?

Messi is not the only player with physical issues among the regularly summoned squad members. Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Emiliano Dibu Martinez are also managing various ailments in their preparation to defend the title obtained in Qatar. Although the vast majority would make it to the debut, the case generating the most concern is that of Cuti, who could miss the opening matches.

Argentina‘s debut in the World Cup will take place on June 16 against Algeria for the first fixture of Group J at the stadium of the Kansas City Chiefs. After that encounter, the squad will travel to Dallas to face Austria on June 22 and will close the group stage in the same city against Jordan on June 27. Before the start of the World Cup, Argentina will play two prior friendly matches on June 6 and June 9 against Honduras and Iceland.

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos addressed the situation post-game, noting that while they don’t yet have a medical report, the club “didn’t want to risk anything” with their star player. Hoyos believes Messi was simply suffering from fatigue on a very heavy pitch, rather than a serious muscle tear.

Argentine national team insider Gaston Edul of TyC Sports also reported that the substitution was entirely preventative due to hamstring tightness, reassuring fans that there is no structural injury at this time. Despite the scare, Inter Miami secured the win with two assists from Messi, allowing him to depart for national team duty without further aggravating the sensitive area.

What happens if Messi is injured?

The tactical flexibility of the Argentine squad allows Scaloni to pivot to a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 formation. This depth is reinforced by a long list of reserved forwards, including young stars with enough European experience to choose from, who can provide a mix of youth and technical brilliance.

While no single player can truly replace the impact of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, the presence of clinical finishers like Julian Álvarez and Lautaro Martinez ensures that Argentina will not lack for goals. The national team’s system has evolved to be less dependent on a single individual.

Ultimately, the goal for Argentina is to arrive at the 2026 World Cup with a fully fit squad, but the recent scare with Messi has proven that the reigning champions are well-prepared for any contingency.

The Herons and the U met in one of the most electrifying showdowns of the 2025-26 MLS campaign—and league history, for that matter. Under a typical spring downpour in Magic City, Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union played out a thrilling 6-4 showdown in the final game before the World Cup break.

For Messi, there were visible moments of frustration with his teammates’ defensive struggles. However, he was all over the pitch in the attacking half. Messi registered two assists and could’ve had a few more if it weren’t for some poor finishing.

Messi assists Berterame twice

After conceding two goals in the opening 10 minutes, Inter Miami needed a spark to get back into the game. Naturally, it had to come from Lionel Messi. Rodrigo De Paul found Messi one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and the Argentine ace showed that patience is a virtue as he waited for support to arrive. With a subtle touch to his left, Messi set up German Berterame, who only had to tap the ball into the back of the net.

The Messi-Berterame connection struck again in the 41st minute, this time with a bit of fortune involved. As Messi attempted one of his trademark shots from the edge of the box, Cavan Sullivan challenged for the ball and the deflection fell kindly to Berterame in what was virtually a moving penalty kick. Berterame made no mistake, firing home a powerful shot to cut Philadelphia Union’s lead to 3-2.

The Herons didn’t stop there. Not only did they erase the deficit, they also took the lead before conceding a late equalizer—all before halftime. In the second half, there weren’t quite as much action, but Inter Miami would gladly take it as they came away with a crucial 6-4 triumph. Now, the Herons are headed to the World Cup break in second place in the Eastern Conference.

Messi asks for substitution

As for Lionel Messi, he asked to be taken off with an apparent muscle injury to his left hamstring. While concern is naturally expected in Argentina, the fact that Messi walked off under his own power and showed little sign of pain—or anxiety about potentially missing the upcoming World Cup, which is clearly his main focus—should provide some reassurance.

Still, it was an unnecessary scare that everybody would’ve preferred to avoid. Regardless, it feels like it will take far more than this for Messi to miss the upcoming World Cup.

Messi had assisted German Berterame twice in the dramatic showdown between the Herons and the U. He looked to be in full gear and sending an encouraging message for Argentina, the reigning world champions, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, that could all change now.

Though far from being involved in a gruesome or scary play, Messi suddenly asked to be replaced and headed with a bit of a limp towards the locker room. His apparent injury is raising concerns as La Albiceleste are just 23 days away from their debut in the 2026 World Cup.

Concerns around Messi

For the time being, there are no updates on what exactly happened to Lionel Messi. Based on the broadcast images, Messi appeared to be experiencing discomfort in his left hamstring, and the fact that he didn’t even head to the substitutes’ bench could be a reason for concern in Argentina. However, there is also a silver lining.

Primarily, whatever happened to Messi appears to be a muscle issue, and he was still able to walk it off. Secondly, he was cautious enough not to put himself at greater risk and asked to be taken off the pitch at Nu Stadium. Although the 2026 World Cup is indeed right around the corner, 23 days could be more than enough time for Argentina’s No. 10 to recover.

Messi has no further commitments with Inter Miami CF for the time being and can now focus entirely on returning to full fitness ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City. Even at less than 100%, Lionel Messi is capable of doing things others can’t even dream of at full capacity.

Argentina’s World Cup schedule

The reigning World Cup champions will start their journey against Algeria on June 16. On June 22, Argentina will take on Austria, before closing out their participation in Group J with a matchup against Jordan.

Gearing up for their title defense in 2026, Argentina will face Honduras on June 6 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. On June 9, La Albiceleste will take on Iceland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Whether Messi will be available for those friendlies—or if Lionel Scaloni and his staff will choose caution instead—remains to be seen.

How to watch Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union in the USA

Supporters wanting to stream this marquee showdown will have multiple platforms available, with live coverage provided through Apple TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream and Sling Blue, allowing fans to follow every second of the action online.

For viewers preferring traditional television coverage, the matchup will also be broadcast live on FOX and FOX Deportes, delivering full access to one of the most anticipated games on the schedule.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union for free?

Fans in the United States can stream this game live on Fubo with the platform’s available 5-day free trial for new users. Supporters wanting to follow the full matchup can use the limited-time offer to watch the broadcast free of charge before it expires.

It’s an ideal option for viewers hoping to enjoy every minute of the action without immediately paying for a subscription. The free trial also allows fans to explore the service before deciding on a long-term plan.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Riding a three-match winning streak, Inter Miami continued their strong run with a 2-0 victory over Portland Timbers, collecting another crucial result in the race for the top spot in the standings.

Lionel Messi’s team now sits second with 28 points and remains within reach of league-leading Nashville SC, which holds 33 points. Next on the schedule is a matchup against Philadelphia Union.

Philadelphia are desperate to reverse their struggles after managing just seven points and falling to the bottom of the table. Another victory would give Messi’s side even more momentum as it continues to chase Nashville in the standings.

Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union: Predicted Lineups

Inter Miami (4-3-3): St. Clair; Mura, Lujan, Micael, Reguilon; De Paul, Bright, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Berterame.

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2): Blake; Harriel, Martinez, Mbaizo, Bender; C. Sullivan, Lukic, Jacques, Vassilev; Iloski, Damiani.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union match?

The match kicks off today, May 24, at 7:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
Central Time: 6:00 PM
Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

In fact, Messi’s trophy haul with Inter Miami has grown to four, highlighted by a dominant 2025 campaign in which he secured both the MLS Cup and the Eastern Conference title. His trophy cabinet in South Florida also includes the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.

While Ronaldo previously hoisted the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023, the tournament’s unofficial status meant it didn’t count toward his sanctioned tally. For a player who has spent a lifetime collecting major trophies, the wait for official gold with Al Nassr had become a surprising subplot of his tenure.

Now, all eyes turn toward the 2026 World Cup in North America. Messi is slated to lead Argentina’s title defense, while Ronaldo aims to guide Portugal to the one trophy that has eluded him, adding to a legendary international resume that already includes Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League titles.

Ronaldo and Messi’s league records

While Messi holds the edge in team trophies compared to Cristiano, and both icons have produced staggering individual numbers, proving that their dominance remains undiminished by age or geography.

A closer look at their impact in the Saudi Pro League and MLS reveals the following:

• Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr milestones:
  • Ronaldo became the first player in Saudi Pro League history to score against every opponent (17 teams) in a single campaign.
  • He reached the 100-goal mark in just 105 appearances, shattering the league record for the fastest to a century.
  • With 26 league goals so far this season, he is on track to become the oldest top scorer in the history of the Saudi top flight.
  • He holds the Al Nassr record for most goals in a single campaign across all competitions (currently 35+ for the 25–26 season).

• Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami milestones:
  • Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 regular season goal contributions (goals + assists), doing so in just 64 games, obliterating Sebastian Giovinco’s previous mark of 95.
  • He holds Inter Miami’s single-season scoring record with 29 goals in 2025.
  • He co-holds the record for most assists in a single MLS match (5 assists vs. NY Red Bulls in 2024).
  • Messi is the highest-paid player in league history, with a $25 million base salary and total guaranteed compensation of $28.3 million (with total annual earnings estimated at $135M+ including commercial deals).

The final race: The all-time goal record

With Cristiano Ronaldo currently sitting at 973 career goals and Lionel Messi at 910, the race to the 1.000-goal barrier is in its final stretch. As the 2026 World Cup approaches and their respective league seasons continue, both players have a legitimate shot at the milestone, though Ronaldo remains the odds-on favorite to be the first to reach the quadruple-digit mark.

If the move is completed, Casemiro would arrive as the centerpiece of the midfield, eventually replacing Yannick Bright. On the wings, Rodrigo De Paul would continue playing on the right side, while Telasco Segovia would operate on the left.

Manager Diego Hoyos usually deploys a 4-3-3 formation. In that setup, this could be a potential starting lineup with the new addition: St. Claire; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Germán Berterame.

LA Galaxy are also interested in Casemiro

The Los Angeles Galaxy are also highly interested in the veteran Brazilian midfielder, having already tabled multiple contract offers, and they uniquely hold his MLS discovery rights—giving them the priority claim to sign him within the league.

If Casemiro ultimately chooses to join Lionel Messi in Miami, MLS regulations dictate that Inter Miami cannot simply bypass this rule; instead, they will be forced to trade and financially compensate the Galaxy to officially acquire those priority rights and finalize the transfer.

Inter Miami look to stay in the Eastern Conference race

Inter Miami and Lionel Messi face a test this Sunday, May 24, as they host the Philadelphia Union at Nu Stadium in their final MLS match before the league pauses for the World Cup. Currently sitting just two points behind Nashville SC in the standings, the Herons need a victory on home turf to close the gap and secure a momentum-boosting win.

Securing three points heading into the long summer break is essential, especially with the looming pressure of keeping pace at the top of the Eastern Conference before the season officially resumes in mid-July.

Following the incidents, “La Familia” released an official statement establishing that they remained silent for 85 minutes not to stop supporting the club, but because they wanted to receive more consideration from the Inter Miami players.

Everything boiled over when they began to chant, “Players, respect your supporters, say hello to your people, who never ask for things.” The group made it clear that they are not looking to offend or insult the players or staff, but rather the fans are asking for the smallest sign of acknowledgement from the people inside the field.

What happened during the match with Lionel Messi?

All the tension exploded when the supporters began to sing the aforementioned chant, but of course, Messi and the others took it as a protest without understanding any of it, despite the club recently celebrating another major title.

Lionel Messi reacted visibly frustrated as the chants grew louder from sections of the crowd, with the captain immediately reacting toward the stands. Everyone quickly focused on Messi’s response as he appeared to confront the situation directly, showing he was not willing to accept the criticism aimed at his teammates.

The Argentine captain, upon hearing the chants, changed his posture and gait and headed toward the stands. With clear gestures of annoyance, he repeatedly made the well-known Italian and Argentine gesture with his hands, implying a lack of sense in what they were singing, making his displeasure evident. The scene dragged on until the tension dissipated, although the distance between the idol and part of his audience remained marked.

At the end of the match, the attitudes were varied, as while some players approached to greet the fans, Messi, accompanied by Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, went straight to the locker room.

Holding a 2-0 lead over Portland Timbers with only minutes left on the second half, one would expect Inter Miami fans to be cheerful. However, they had a message for the players, which they sung to them in the form of a popular aggressive chant aimed at them and their families.

As reported by Inter Miami beat reporter Jose Armando, the fan group “La Familia” decided to let Messi and company know of their discomfort with the way they have treated supporters recently in the 2026-27 MLS season.

The fans feel neglected. They remained silent throughout the entire game, but took a more direct approach in the dying minutes, steering away from their staged silent treatment. Messi, who scored his 910th career goal during the 2-0 win, met the chant with a clear gesture, seemingly asking the rhetorical question, “What is the problem with you guys?”

What were fans chanting?

As heard on the game’s broadcast, Inter Miami fans sang to the tune of It’s a Heartache by Bonnie Tyler. In Argentina, the song is popular for being turned into one of the most iconic chants against a team’s own players when results are not going their way.

Though the original lyrics are very aggressive, the Herons’ fans changed them so as not to insult the players. Instead, they sang: “Players, respect your fans and acknowledge your people. It doesn’t cost you anything.” They sang in Spanish, as it has become the main language surrounding the team in South Florida.

De Paul reacts to chants, too

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and where Messi is, Rodrigo De Paul is usually not too far behind. De Paul reacted to the chant as well, pointing at the star above Inter Miami’s badge on his jersey. The universal message behind the gesture was a reminder of what this team has won—the 2025 MLS Cup—and for fans to be grateful.

Messi, Suarez, and De Paul send a message

As if the tension wasn’t clear enough, the trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul decided to raise the stakes and make matters worse. Following the final whistle, the three left the pitch without acknowledging the fans in the main home stand.

Instead, players like Ian Fray, Yannick Bright, and Noah Allen—who are also usually assigned media duties—were the ones who had to face the music, and it was far from a pleasant melody. It was a clear message delivered by the team’s leaders and heard all across Nu Stadium.

Inter Miami had just won its first-ever game in its new home, but the atmosphere inside the stadium felt anything but jubilant. There is trouble brewing in Magic City. Perhaps the 2026 World Cup break can’t come soon enough for Messi and De Paul.

A beautiful combination between Luis Suarez, Telasco Segovia, and Lionel Messi was too much for Portland‘s defense to figure out and the Argentinian ace was all by himself in prime distance to the goal. Needless to say, he made no mistake and has raised his career goals total to 910.

Inter Miami are in search of their first ever win at the recently inaugurated Nu Stadium. Thanks to Messi, they have reason to believe today might just be the day. Messi’s 910 career goal is also his 12th of the season, tied for second-most in MLS.

Messi assists Berterame

As if his goal wasn’t pretty or remarkable enough, Messi took fans down memory lane with a fantastic run to set up German Berterame and give the Herons a 2-0 lead.

Following a chipped pass from fellow countryman Rodrigo De Paul, Messi brought the ball down with careful chest control, linked up quickly with Suarez (like old times), before going on a run that practically cut right through defenders and ended with a pass into the middle for Berterame.

The ball may as well have arrived at Berterame’s feet with a Post-it reading, “Just send it into the net.” Berterame didn’t miss, and Inter Miami headed into halftime with a comfortable lead. However, they’ve learned just how misleading those leads can be and are looking to right their recent wrongs on home grass.

What’s next for Messi, Inter Miami

Once the Timbers’ visit to the newest stadium in the league concludes, Inter Miami will have one game left before the 2026 FIFA World Cup break in MLS. The Herons will stay home in Magic City when they host Philadelphia Union next Sunday (May 24).

The matchup will take place exactly one year after the last time Philadelphia and Miami met in an electric 3-3 draw during the 2025 MLS campaign.

How to watch Inter Miami vs Portland Timbers in the USA

Viewers hoping to catch every moment of this headline clash will have a single destination to tune in, with Apple TV serving as the exclusive platform carrying the full live broadcast.

The only way to watch this much-anticipated encounter live will be through Apple TV, whose exclusive coverage provides fans with start-to-finish access to all the action.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Portland Timbers for free?

Soccer fans across the United States will be able to watch this matchup live on Apple TV, as the streaming service is currently providing a 7-day free trial for new users.

The special offer allows viewers to enjoy the full game without any immediate payment, giving supporters a convenient way to follow all the action live before choosing whether to continue with a subscription once the trial expires.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Fresh off a dominant Matchday 13 win over Cincinnati, Inter Miami climbed to 25 points and now sit just two behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC, adding even more urgency to their push for the top spot.

With Lionel Messi leading the charge, Miami heads into this matchup looking to keep its momentum rolling against a struggling Portland Timbers squad.

Portland enters the contest near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with 14 points, but the playoff picture remains within reach, as a victory would move the Timbers into the Play-in positions and provide a major boost to their postseason hopes.

Inter Miami vs Portland Timbers: Predicted Lineups

Inter Miami (4-3-3): St. Clair; Fray, Falcon, Micael, Reguilon; De Paul, Bright, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Berterame.

Portland Timbers (4-3-3): Pantemis; Bye, Surman, Miller, Fory; Caicedo, Da Costa, Bassett; Antony, Kelsy, Velde.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Portland Timbers match?

The match kicks off today, May 17, at 6:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 6:00 PM
Central Time: 5:00 PM
Mountain Time: 4:00 PM
Pacific Time: 3:00 PM