BIG BLOW for Inter Miami as Lionel Messi picks up injury ahead of MLS 2026 opener; Puerto Rico friendly postponed
(Courtesy :Â Getty)
The Argentine forward confirmed in a video that he is injured.
Due to a left hamstring strain he sustained during the game against Barcelona SC in Ecuador, Lionel Messi was unable to train with the team on Wednesday, February 11.
Further medical examinations of the player verified the diagnosis. His clinical and functional development over the next few days will determine how gradually he returns to training.
With MLS 2026 set to start in just a few days, this injury has caused concerns among the fans.
Inter Miami friendly match in Puerto Rico postponed to 26th February
The Major League Soccer side said Lionel Messi’s injury has forced the much-anticipated game between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico to be rescheduled for February 26.
“Together with the organisers, the club decided to postpone this match (…) I want to thank you for the love because I know the game was sold out,” the Argentine star said in a message addressed to fans in Puerto Rico.
The club and event organisers decided to reschedule the game after Lionel Messi himself stated in an Instagram story posted by Inter Miami that he ended the previous play in Ecuador “with some discomfort.”
The organisation in charge of organising the event in Puerto Rico, VRDG Entertainment Group, called the scenario “unfortunate news,” but clarified that everyone involved agreed that Lionel Messi should be involved because he is the major attraction.
The tickets will still be available for the new date, even though they sold out in just 17 minutes last time. Juan RamĂłn Loubriel Stadium in BayamĂłn was the venue for both the game and an open training event.
Although Inter Miami have already visited Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador as part of their preseason tour, none of those nations held an open training session like the one that was scheduled in Puerto Rico.
Which injury has Lionel Messi suffered?
He has sustained a hamstring injury.
How long will Messi be out?
The club has not revealed yet.
When will Inter Miami now face Independiente del Valle?
They will face them on 26th February.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.