IMAGE: Lionel Messi sustained a left hamstring strain during a preseason friendly. Photograph: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images/Reuters
Key Points
- Lionel Messi has a confirmed left hamstring strain sustained during a 2-2 draw against Barcelona SC in Ecuador on February 7. While he scored a goal in that match, he was substituted early in the second half after feeling “muscle tightness.
- The preseason finale in Puerto Rico against Independiente del Valle, originally set for this Friday, has been pushed to February 26. The club and local government made the call to ensure the sold-out crowd (tickets sold out in 17 minutes) actually gets to see the captain play.
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi did not participate in training on Wednesday due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring, with his injury leading to the postponement of what was supposed to be the reigning MLS Cup champions’ preseason finale.
Logistical Fallout
Inter Miami, who are scheduled to open their MLS campaign on February 21, said the two-time reigning league MVP sustained the injury during a preseason game last weekend against Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador, where he scored but was substituted in the second half.
Messi underwent additional medical tests that confirmed the diagnosis.
Season Opener Jeopardy
“His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,” Inter Miami said.
As a result of the injury, the friendly between Inter Miami and Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, scheduled to be played on Friday at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Puerto Rico, has been postponed to February 26.
