Lionel Messi out of Argentina-El Salvador match in Philly due to muscle injury
The captain was injured last week while playing for his Inter Miami club in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi chases the ball after a penalty kick during the first half of a CONCACAF Champions Cup soccer match against Nashville SC, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Lionel Messi will not play in Argentina’s two friendlies in the United States this month due to a right leg muscle injury, the Argentine Football Association said on Monday.
The captain was injured last week while playing for his Inter Miami club in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Related Content
Messi scored his ninth goal in six games, dealing the Union its second-ever home loss since 2021. Many described his arrival as transformational for soccer in the U.S.
1 year ago
Listen 1:07The 36-year-old Messi will miss Argentina vs. El Salvador on Friday in Philadelphia and a friendly against Costa Rica four days later in Los Angeles, AFA said in a statement.
Both games are warmups for Argentina for the Copa America in June-July, which will also be in the U.S.
Argentina had already lost striker Paulo Dybala and midfielder Exequiel Palacios to injuries.
Never miss a moment with the WHYY Listen App!
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Part of the series
‘The icing on the cake’: Philly officials and organizers react to 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule
Lincoln Financial Field will play host to a Fourth of July round-of-16 game during the semiquincentennial, as well as five group games in June.
10 months ago
Listen 1:21
Philly scheduled to host Fourth of July FIFA World Cup game, 5 group stage games, in 2026
New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium beat out AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas as the venue for the final on July 19.
10 months ago
The Linc hosted over 105,000 soccer fans last weekend. There will be plenty more elite competition and community outreach to build momentum for 2026’s big event.
1 year ago
Listen 5:53