Inter Miami with Lionel Messi vs Independiente del Valle, international friendly: minute by minute, live
Inter Miami faces Ecuador's Independiente del Valle in a pre-season friendly match in Puerto Rico, following scheduling changes due to Lionel Messi's injury.
Inter Miami is set to play against Ecuador's Independiente del Valle at the Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel in Puerto Rico in an international friendly match. This event comes at a crucial time as the MLS season kicks off, with Inter Miami looking to bounce back after an opening match defeat to Los Ángeles FC. The game was originally scheduled for February 13 but had to be postponed due to a muscle injury to superstar Lionel Messi, highlighting the challenges of incorporating such high-profile players into a competitive schedule.
As they approach their final pre-season fixture, Inter Miami has already faced several other South American teams, including Alianza Lima, Atlético Nacional, and Barcelona from Ecuador. The match against Independiente del Valle is seen as an important opportunity for the team to sharpen their skills and build momentum ahead of the upcoming domestic season. Broadcasting of the match will take place on Disney+ Premium, which reflects the growing trend of streaming services playing a key role in sports viewership.
The friendly serves not only as a preparation for Inter Miami but also emphasizes the increasing international engagement of Major League Soccer. With star players like Messi attracting significant attention, these matches can play a pivotal role in enhancing the league's profile and expanding its audience both domestically and abroad, potentially influencing future player acquisitions and partnerships within the industry.