Everything was set for Inter Miami to play a friendly match in Puerto Rico, with Lionel Messi as the star player. However, the Argentine star’s unexpected injury led to the postponement of the friendly, as the match would incur significant commercial losses without the striker’s presence.
Lionel Messi’s Injury Causes Friendly Match To Be Postponed
Messi did not participate in physical activities with the rest of the Inter Miami squad on Wednesday due to a muscle injury, as officially announced by the Major League Soccer club (via ESPN FC). Given this situation, the club decided to postpone the friendly match against Independiente del Valle (semifinalist in the 2025 Conmebol Sudamericana), which was to take place in Puerto Rico.
The MLS explained that Messi’s clinical progress in the coming days will be key to determining the exact timing of his return to the field. However, the priority is to ensure the athlete’s full recovery, avoiding physical aggravation, with a view to his return to MLS and, above all, the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have postponed their final preseason match in Puerto Rico.
Messi picked up a hamstring injury in their last preseason game, leaving him questionable for the MLS season opener against LAFC. pic.twitter.com/CL5oKznChx
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 13, 2026
The postponement of the festive event aims to ensure that the Puerto Rican public can witness the player’s performance when he is fully fit, but purchased tickets for the original date will remain valid for the new schedule, which has not yet been set.
This change in the preseason schedule comes at a critical time for Messi’s physical preparation. The 38-year-old player aims to be in ideal condition for the official start of the MLS and other international competitions throughout the year.
Inter Miami Bets On Messi For Second MLS Cup
Inter Miami enters the 2026 season with high expectations, having established itself as one of the leading economic and technical powers after winning the title in 2025. Under the leadership of Javier Mascherano, the project involving Messi and Luis Suárez also includes other experienced players such as Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Reguilón.
In addition to defending their MLS Cup title and securing greater financial gains with Messi, Inter Miami plans to inaugurate Miami Freedom Park, their new permanent arena with a capacity of 25,000, scheduled for April 4. Meanwhile, the current champions will continue to play their games at Chase Stadium.
The 2026 MLS regular season will kick off on February 21, with Inter Miami making its debut against Los Angeles FC. The World Cup break will run from May 25 to July 16. Under this alternate schedule, the MLS Cup is scheduled only for December.
