Lionel Messi Injury Update: Hamstring Strain Puts MLS Opener at Risk

Messi suffers hamstring injury, Inter Miami opener in doubt

Inter Miami announces Messi's injury, citing a muscle strain in his left hamstring, with his return to training dependent on progress.

“His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress...”

Lionel Messi is recovering from a muscle strain in his left hamstring, which forced him to miss Inter Miami's training session on Wednesday. The injury was sustained during a preseason game against Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador, where he scored but was substituted in the second half.

As a result, Inter Miami has postponed their preseason finale against Independiente del Valle, originally scheduled for February 13 in Puerto Rico, to February 26. This means Messi's availability for Inter Miami's MLS season opener against LAFC on February 21 is uncertain.

🚨 Inter Miami confirm Leo Messi did not participate in training this due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring.

“His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days”. pic.twitter.com/paIFulH6hI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 11, 2026

Lionel Messi underwent additional medical tests that confirmed his muscle strain diagnosis. “His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,” Inter Miami said. 

The friendly match between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, scheduled for Friday at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Puerto Rico, has been postponed to February 26 due to Messi's injury.