Inter Miami has announced the postponement of a friendly match scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico due to an injury to star player Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward was absent from training on Wednesday due to a strain in his left thigh's hamstring, which he sustained during a recent draw against Barcelona Guayaquil in Ecuador. The team is now assessing his condition, and Messi expressed regret about the injury in a statement, indicating he felt muscle tightness during the last game.

Further evaluation of Messi's injury has not provided a clear timeline for his return, with the team emphasizing that his gradual return to training will depend on his health and performance over the coming days. This uncertainty poses a challenge for Inter Miami as they approach their regular-season opener in Major League Soccer (MLS), set for February 21 against Los Angeles FC. The postponement of the friendly match with Ecuador's Independiente del Valle was announced to be rescheduled for February 26, just three days before Miami's critical league match against rival Orlando.

The situation highlights not only the team's reliance on Messi, who is a key figure following his participation in the 2022 World Cup victory for Argentina, but also raises concerns about the impact of injuries on a team's preparation for a new season. As Messi's health continues to be monitored, fans and analysts alike will be looking for updates on his recovery and potential return to the pitch, which could significantly influence Inter Miami's performance in the early stages of the 2026 season.