Lionel Messi
38-Year-Old
Inter Miami CF
MLS
GTD
Injury Hamstring
Est. Return 6/1/2026
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Messi only appeared in 19 league matches for Inter Miami in 2024. That didn't stop him from scoring 20 goals and assisting 11. While some disagreed with the selection, Messi won the Most Valuable Player award. The injury bug is the only thing that could hold Messi back in 2025. While his work rate is next to nothing, he still makes unbelievable plays that turn back the clock when on the ball. A healthy Messi could score 30-plus goals in MLS play, but it's tough to project the Argentinian to play the full schedule.
Muscular fatigue only
Messi has been confirmed with only muscular fatigue in his left hamstring after being forced off in the 73rd minute of Sunday's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union, with the diagnosis not considered a serious injury and his availability for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 not in doubt, according to the club.
ANALYSIS
Messi had contributed two assists before the precautionary substitution, and the positive update is a significant relief for both Inter Miami and the Argentine national team. The veteran forward will follow a tailored recovery plan based on his clinical and functional progress, but the nature of the issue as purely muscular fatigue rather than a structural injury ensures the defending world champions will have their captain available for the tournament. That said, if Messi can't start the opener against Algeria, Nico Paz or Giuliano Simeone could step in his spot.
Messi had contributed two assists before the precautionary substitution, and the positive update is a significant relief for both Inter Miami and the Argentine national team. The veteran forward will follow a tailored recovery plan based on his clinical and functional progress, but the nature of the issue as purely muscular fatigue rather than a structural injury ensures the defending world champions will have their captain available for the tournament. That said, if Messi can't start the opener against Algeria, Nico Paz or Giuliano Simeone could step in his spot.
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More Fantasy News
Suffers potential injury Sunday
Messi provided two assists but subbed off due to an apparent discomfort during Sunday's 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union, per reporter Franco Panizo.
ANALYSIS
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Scores, assists in win
Messi scored one goal and assisted once from nine shots and two chances created in Sunday's 2-0 victory versus Portland Timbers.
ANALYSIS
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Brilliant in win
Messi scored two goals and assisted once from six shots and four chances created in Wednesday's 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati.
ANALYSIS
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Scores once, assists twice
Messi scored one goal and assisted twice from five shots and four chances created in Saturday's 4-2 win against Toronto FC.
ANALYSIS
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Scores and assists in shock loss
Messi scored one goal and assisted once from five shots and four chances created in Saturday's 4-3 defeat versus Orlando City SC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 78th minute.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Set to sign new contract?
Messi is close to signing a new contract with Inter Miami, according to ESPN.
ANALYSIS
Messi joined The Herons in 2023, and he's set to sign a new contract with the club in order to continue smashing records at the MLS level. Messi has been one of the top players for Inter Miami in 2025.
Messi joined The Herons in 2023, and he's set to sign a new contract with the club in order to continue smashing records at the MLS level. Messi has been one of the top players for Inter Miami in 2025.