Lionel Messi (hamstring) set to participate in Miami’s MLS season opener against LAFC
Inter Miami’s captain Lionel Messi is set to be available for selection against LAFC on Saturday evening in the Major League Soccer season opener after traveling with the squad to California.
The forward’s involvement in the match was initially uncertain following a muscle strain in his left hamstring sustained during the preseason match against Barcelona SC on February 7. Although Messi began the friendly, he exited the field in the 58th minute to observe from the sidelines.
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“Messi did not take part in training this Wednesday, February 11, due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring incurred during the game against Barcelona SC in Ecuador, which has continued since that time,” the team stated in a news release.
“The player underwent further medical evaluations that validated the diagnosis. His gradual return to training will be contingent upon his clinical and functional recovery in the upcoming days.”
Inter Miami later decided to postpone the final preseason friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico to February 26, changing from the original date of February 13. Messi has resumed training with the rest of the team since experiencing the strain.
Inter Miami begins the 2026 season as the reigning MLS champions after winning the 2025 MLS Cup by overcoming the Vancouver Whitecaps. The team will also participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and Campeones Cup alongside the MLS regular season.
