Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterLionel Messi has already caused a stir at World Cup 2026.He needed just 76 minutes of this summers tournament to complete a hat-trick of finishes, in Argentinas first Group J game against Algeria.But just four minutes after his third, boss Lionel Scaloni took his nations superstar off.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kIs Lionel Messi injured?That substitution will be worrying for La Albiceleste, given their no.10s run-up to the tournament.A few weeks prior, he was taken off for Inter Miami while clutching his leg, the issue later cited as muscle fatigue by his club. You may like Lionel Messi's final World Cup squad: Every player selected for Argentina's 2026 title defence Is Messi playing at World Cup 2026? How to watch Lionel Messi at the 2026 FIFA World Cup INCREDIBLE Lionel Messi strikes from distance and completes his hat-trick! pic.twitter.com/ZtSoFhPbS5June 17, 2026At that stage, the forward had not formally confirmed he was going to the World Cup, but hes made the tournament.Thankfully, it doesnt seem Messis substitution against Algeria was related to any injury.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Since coming off in that May fixture for Inter Miami, he was on the bench for a friendly against Honduras, and played just 20 minutes against Iceland.That was upped to 80 minutes against Algeria a clear positive that those contributions are growing.It therefore seems that, following some discomfort last month, Messi and Scaloni are simply managing the talismans minutes.Turning 39 years old during this tournament, it seems clear this will be Messis last World Cup.He lifted his first-ever World Cup last time out, in Qatar in 2022, and is bidding to add a second this summer.Only 20 players in history have claimed the trophy twice, with Pele sitting out on his own with three.TOPICSWorld Cup 2026Isaac Stacey StrongeSocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterIsaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.
