Lionel Messi has a strained left hamstring, could affect availability for Inter Miami”s opener

PLS TAKE NOTE OF THIS PTI PICK OF THE DAY::: New Delhi: Argentine footballer Lionel Messi during the 'GOAT India Tour 2025', at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)(PTI12_15_2025_000326B)(PTI12_15_2025_000439B)

Fort Lauderdale (USA), Feb 12 (AP) Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has a strained left hamstring, an injury that could call into some doubt his availability for the reigning MLS Cup champions’ regular-season opener at LAFC on Feb. 21.

The team announced the injury on Wednesday.

Messi, MLS’ back-to-back reigning MVP, scored a goal in a preseason game in Ecuador last weekend but was subbed out about 12 minutes into the second half — presumably because of the hamstring issue.

“His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,” Inter Miami said in a statement.

The injury also means that what was supposed to be Inter Miami’s preseason finale will now be played about a week after its MLS opener. Inter Miami will face Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle at Bayamon, Puerto Rico on Feb. 26, with an open practice scheduled as part of that trip as well. (AP) UNG

Category: Breaking News

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