Especially now.

Messi enters this tournament with a chance to do something almost impossible: defend Argentina’s World Cup title while cementing an untouchable legacy. He already completed football by winning the 2022 World Cup, but another deep run in 2026 would elevate him even further into mythical territory.

That is why fans are panicking.

Argentina are still viewed as one of the favorites to win the tournament because Messi remains elite when healthy. Alongside stars like Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez, Argentina have the talent and chemistry to make another run.

But none of it feels the same if Messi is compromised physically.

The scary reality is that this World Cup may be the final time we ever see Messi on this stage. There is no guarantee there will be another opportunity after this. That alone makes every update on his condition feel gigantic.

And this is exactly what FIFA did not want.

The 2026 World Cup is built around superstar storylines:

• Messi’s possible last dance
• Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup
• Kylian Mbappé trying to take over the sport
• Lamine Yamal’s first World Cup
• Neymar trying to bring Brazil back to glory

Messi is still the centerpiece of all of it.

You could already imagine the nightmare scenario soccer fans fear most: Argentina entering the tournament with questions about Messi’s fitness before they even kick a ball.

Now, to be fair, this could truly end up being nothing. Modern teams are extremely cautious with veteran players, especially this close to a major tournament. Argentina will almost certainly prioritize rest over risk during the next two weeks.

But until fans actually see Messi fully healthy on the pitch again, the anxiety is going to be everywhere.

Because with the World Cup only 16 days away, this is no longer just an Inter Miami story.

This is the biggest storyline in soccer.