Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s training session on Wednesday because of a left hamstring strain, the club confirmed. The injury has also forced the team to postpone an upcoming match in Puerto Rico. Messi, who is Inter Miami’s captain, picked up the injury during a 2-2 draw against Barcelona de Guayaquil in Ecuador last Saturday. After the match, he underwent medical tests to check how serious the problem was. The tests showed that he has a strain in his left hamstring.
In a statement released by the club, Messi said he felt muscle tightness during the game. Because of this discomfort, he is now taking time to recover and will not return to full training until he is completely fit. The club said that his comeback will depend on how well he progresses in the coming days. Doctors and medical staff will continue to monitor his condition before allowing him to train at full intensity.
It is still unclear when Messi will be able to play again. Inter Miami are the defending MLS champions and will begin their 2026 Major League Soccer season against Los Angeles FC on February 21. The team will be hoping their star player recovers in time for the start of the new campaign.
Lionel Messi and De Paul with a young Inter Miami fan 🩷 pic.twitter.com/caYNThDSGO
— Messi Media (@LeoMessiMedia) February 12, 2026
Due to Messi’s injury, Inter Miami’s friendly match against Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, which was scheduled to be played in Puerto Rico on Friday, has been postponed. The club announced that the match will now take place on February 26. This new date is just three days before Inter Miami are set to face Orlando City in another MLS fixture.
🚨Lionel Messi Did Not Participate In Training Yesterday Due To A Muscle Strain In His Left Hamstring.
Get well soon Goat❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/PA8r6YmXC9
— La Pulga (fan) (@LaPulgaHQ) February 12, 2026
Messi also shared a message for fans in Puerto Rico, who were excited to see him play. He said the team was really looking forward to visiting and playing there. Together with the club, they worked to find a new date so they could still travel and play in Puerto Rico soon. He acknowledged the excitement of the fans and said it would be special to play in front of them when the rescheduled match happens. For now, Messi’s main focus is on recovering fully and returning to the field as soon as possible.
