Lionel Messi Questionable For Inter Miami's MLS Season Opener With Strained Hamstring

Messi's availability for the team's first game is in doubt due to a left hamstring injury.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has suffered a strained left hamstring, putting his availability for the team's MLS season opener against LAFC on February 21 in doubt. The team announced the injury on Wednesday, stating that Messi's return to training will depend on his progress in the coming days.

Why it matters

Messi is the reigning two-time MLS MVP and a key player for Inter Miami, the reigning MLS Cup champions. His potential absence from the season opener would be a significant blow for the team as they look to defend their title.

The details

Messi suffered the hamstring injury during Inter Miami's preseason game in Ecuador last weekend, where he scored a goal but was subbed out in the second half. The team says his "gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days."

  • Messi suffered the hamstring injury during Inter Miami's preseason game in Ecuador last weekend.
  • Inter Miami announced the injury on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Inter Miami's MLS season opener is scheduled for February 21, 2026 against LAFC.

The players

Lionel Messi

A star player for Inter Miami and the reigning two-time MLS MVP.

Inter Miami

The reigning MLS Cup champions, who are set to begin their title defense in the 2026 season.

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What’s next

Inter Miami will face Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle at Bayamon, Puerto Rico on February 26, with an open practice scheduled as part of that trip as well.

The takeaway

Messi's potential absence from Inter Miami's season opener against LAFC would be a significant blow for the defending champions, as the star player is crucial to their success. The team will closely monitor his hamstring injury recovery in the coming days to determine his availability for the first game.