Argentina and Inter Miami have been hit by a major setback as Lionel Messi sustained a left hamstring injury during a friendly match against Ecuadorian club Barcelona last Saturday. The injury forced Messi to miss Miami’s Wednesday training session, prompting concern from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Miami coach Javier Mascherano. The club has not yet announced a timeline for his return, while Messi confirmed on social media that the team postponed its next friendly due to his condition.

According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Messi is expected to recover before Argentina’s March 27 Finalissima match against Spain, though uncertainty remains about how quickly the 38-year-old can regain full fitness. The injury occurred late in Miami’s pre-season, a period Messi had planned to use to decide whether to play in the 2026 World Cup. The setback may influence that decision.

Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, stated that Messi’s return to training will depend on his physical progress in the coming days. The club’s friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico has been rescheduled to February 26.