Lionel Messi's Injury Postpones Inter Miami Friendly

Inter Miami CF announced the postponement of their friendly match against Independiente del Valle, originally scheduled for February 13, 2026, in Puerto Rico, due to an injury sustained by captain Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward suffered a muscle strain in his left hamstring during a preseason game against Barcelona SC in Quito, Ecuador, on February 7. Messi left the match in the 58th minute after scoring a goal and assisting another, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw. Following the injury, Messi did not participate in training sessions, and the club confirmed that his return would depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days.

Miami HeraldESPNLionel Messi update: Inter Miami reveals star forward suffered injury during preseason match

The rescheduled match will now take place on February 26, 2026, at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Inter Miami's decision to postpone was made in collaboration with the event promoter and the Puerto Rican government, aiming to ensure the best experience for fans.

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Inter Miami stated, "The Club, in collaboration with the event promoter and the government of Puerto Rico, believe shifting the match will allow for the best experience for fans in Puerto Rico." Messi also addressed the situation in a video message, expressing regret over his injury and the postponement, stating, "Unfortunately, I felt some muscle tightness in the last match... we worked on finding an alternative date to be able to travel and play in Puerto Rico."

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The postponement has drawn criticism from local fans, particularly due to Messi's absence from the originally scheduled match. In response to the backlash, the event organizers offered partial refunds to ticket holders, acknowledging the frustration caused by the late decision. Inter Miami emphasized that player health is a priority, stating, "Injuries are unfortunately a part of the beautiful game, and our player's health must always come first."

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As Inter Miami prepares for the 2026 MLS season opener against Los Angeles FC on February 21, the club's performance in the preseason has been mixed, with one win, one loss, and one tie across three matches in South America. The team aims to build on their recent success, having won their first MLS Cup title in December 2025. Messi's health remains a critical factor as the team looks to defend their championship.

Lionel Messi update: Inter Miami reveals star forward suffered injury during preseason match

• “Miami said in a statement Wednesday: "The Club, in collaboration with the event promoter and the government of Puerto Rico, believe shifting the match will allow for the best experience for fans in Puerto Rico.” — Inter Miami CF Statement

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This situation highlights the challenges faced by professional athletes and teams in managing injuries while balancing fan expectations and event commitments.

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