Lionel Messi Suffers Hamstring Injury in Inter Miami Preseason Match

The star forward will have a 'gradual return to training' as he recovers from the muscle strain.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Inter Miami announced that team captain Lionel Messi suffered a muscle strain in his left hamstring during a preseason friendly match against Barcelona SC in Quito, Ecuador on Saturday. The club revealed that Messi underwent medical tests that confirmed the diagnosis, and his return to training will depend on his progress in the coming days.

Why it matters

Messi's health is crucial for Inter Miami as they prepare for the upcoming MLS season. The Argentine superstar's injury could impact the team's early-season performance and roster planning if he is unable to fully recover in time for the start of the regular season.

The details

In the match against Barcelona SC, Messi scored a solo goal and recorded an assist before being substituted just over an hour into the game. Inter Miami announced that Messi did not participate in training on Wednesday due to the lingering hamstring issue.

  • Messi suffered the injury during a preseason friendly against Barcelona SC on Saturday, February 11, 2026.
  • Inter Miami announced the injury news on Wednesday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Lionel Messi

The star forward and captain of Inter Miami CF.

Luis Suárez

Messi's teammate who replaced him in the match against Barcelona SC.

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What’s next

Inter Miami will continue to monitor Messi's recovery and provide updates on his status as he works towards a return to full training and the start of the MLS season.

The takeaway

Messi's injury is a concern for Inter Miami as they prepare for the new season, but the club is taking a cautious approach to ensure he fully recovers before returning to the pitch.