{"id":43148,"date":"2026-02-13T02:51:06","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T07:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/inter-miami-delays-puerto-rico-friendly-as-lionel-messi-faces-injury-setback\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T02:51:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T07:51:06","slug":"inter-miami-delays-puerto-rico-friendly-as-lionel-messi-faces-injury-setback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/inter-miami-delays-puerto-rico-friendly-as-lionel-messi-faces-injury-setback\/","title":{"rendered":"Inter Miami Delays Puerto Rico Friendly as Lionel Messi Faces Injury Setback"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/inter-miami-delays-puerto-rico-friendly-as-lionel-messi-faces-injury-setback\/#Puerto_Rico_friendly_match_postponed\" >Puerto Rico friendly match postponed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/inter-miami-delays-puerto-rico-friendly-as-lionel-messi-faces-injury-setback\/#Messi_diagnosed_with_left_hamstring_strain\" >Messi diagnosed with left hamstring strain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/inter-miami-delays-puerto-rico-friendly-as-lionel-messi-faces-injury-setback\/#Messis_message_to_fans\" >Messi&#8217;s message to fans<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/13\/inter-miami-delays-puerto-rico-friendly-as-lionel-messi-faces-injury-setback\/#Whats_next_for_Inter_Miami\" >What&#8217;s next for Inter Miami?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n<div class=\"flex-col-cntr article-content mg-b-25\" style=\"width:100%;\" showslider=\"false\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n<div class=\"freeform-content\"><img decoding=\"async\" height=\"20px\" src=\"https:\/\/b.fssta.com\/uploads\/application\/external-logos\/goal-dot-com-logo_black.svg\"\/><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    Lionel Messi missed training with Inter Miami after he sustained a strain in his left hamstring during the match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    The club confirmed the injury and announced the rescheduling of a pre-season friendly match against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. Messi expressed his apologies to fans for the unexpected change.\n  <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Puerto_Rico_friendly_match_postponed\"><\/span>Puerto Rico friendly match postponed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2259890087-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2259890087-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    Inter Miami stated that the pre-season friendly in Puerto Rico, initially set for February 13th, has been moved to February 26th following an update regarding Messi&#8217;s condition.\n  <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Messi_diagnosed_with_left_hamstring_strain\"><\/span>Messi diagnosed with left hamstring strain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2259884316-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2259884316-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    An official statement from the club and Baptist Health indicated that Messi did not participate in training on February 11th due to his left hamstring strain, which he incurred during the match in Ecuador. Further medical evaluations will determine his recovery and when he can return to full training.\n  <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Messis_message_to_fans\"><\/span>Messi&#8217;s message to fans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2259878756-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2259878756-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    Messi addressed his fans directly in an Instagram Story, conveying his apologies to those in Puerto Rico.\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    &#8220;Hello everyone. I want to send my greetings to the Puerto Rican people who were looking forward to the training session and the match,&#8221; Messi stated. &#8220;After feeling some discomfort in my last game in Ecuador, we&#8217;ve decided to cancel the match. We aim to reschedule so we can connect soon.&#8221;\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    He also expressed his gratitude for the fans&#8217; understanding, stating, &#8220;I truly appreciate your support and love. I hope the match can be rescheduled soon since I know tickets had already been sold. Sending you all a big hug.&#8221;\n  <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_next_for_Inter_Miami\"><\/span>What&#8217;s next for Inter Miami?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2258725685-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0\/0\/GettyImages-2258725685-scaled.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-d04fc069=\"\">\n    The team will kick off their season on February 21st against LAFC and will begin a new chapter in title defense with the addition of players like German Bert Thelame.\n  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> Messi&#8217;s injury and the postponement of the friendly match are significant for soccer enthusiasts, as they raise concerns about the star&#8217;s availability for crucial matches. His ability to return to form quickly will not only impact Inter Miami but also the visibility and appeal of soccer in the U.S.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lionel Messi missed training with Inter Miami after he sustained a strain in his left hamstring during the match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador. The club confirmed the injury and announced the rescheduling of a pre-season friendly match against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. Messi expressed his apologies to fans for the unexpected change. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43149,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[3918,112,40,2206,331,584,821,822,1364,46,8821,8822,1627,45],"class_list":{"0":"post-43148","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-delays","9":"tag-faces","10":"tag-football","11":"tag-friendly","12":"tag-injury","13":"tag-inter","14":"tag-lionel","15":"tag-messi","16":"tag-miami","17":"tag-news","18":"tag-puerto","19":"tag-rico","20":"tag-setback","21":"tag-soccer"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43148","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43148"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43148\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}