Inter Miami Postpones Puerto Rico Match Due to Messi Injury

Lionel Messi sustained a left hamstring strain, forcing the club to reschedule a preseason match against Independiente del Valle.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Lionel Messi did not practice on February 11 due to a left hamstring muscle strain sustained in his last match. As a result, Inter Miami has postponed its preseason match against Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, originally scheduled for February 13 in Puerto Rico, to February 26.

Why it matters

Messi's injury is a significant setback for Inter Miami as they prepare for the start of the 2026 MLS season. The club will need to manage Messi's recovery carefully to ensure he is fit and ready for the season opener against LAFC on February 21.

The details

Messi played 63 minutes in Inter Miami's first preseason match on January 24 and 82 minutes in the second match on January 31. He scored a goal and provided an assist in the February 7 match against Barcelona S.C. in Ecuador before leaving the game early due to the hamstring injury.

  • Messi did not practice on February 11, two days before the scheduled Puerto Rico match.
  • The Puerto Rico match against Independiente del Valle has been postponed from February 13 to February 26.

The players

Lionel Messi

A legendary Argentine soccer player who recently joined Inter Miami.

Germán Berterame

A new player for Inter Miami.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to send this message to the people of Puerto Rico, both those who were going to attend the training session and the match. The truth is that I ended up with an injury during the last match in Ecuador, which is why I left before the end.”

— Lionel Messi (Instagram)

What’s next

Messi and Inter Miami begin the 2026 MLS season on the road against Los Angeles FC on February 21.

The takeaway

Messi's injury is a setback for Inter Miami as they prepare for the start of the 2026 MLS season, but the club is working to reschedule the Puerto Rico match and ensure Messi is fit and ready for the season opener against LAFC.