Inter Miami's friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico has been postponed after Lionel Messi sustained a left hamstring strain during a preseason match against Barcelona SC. The Inter Miami star exited the field in the 58th minute and has been sidelined from training since.

The postponement affects the Feb. 13 match at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel in Bayamón, now rescheduled for Feb. 26. Organizers cited the need to ensure the best experience for Puerto Rican fans and maintain the same venue and opponent. The match will now occur after the start of the 2026 MLS season.

This marks the second time in recent months that Messi's injury has disrupted an international friendly. In 2024, he missed a Hong Kong preseason game, leading to fan backlash and partial refunds. Inter Miami emphasized that player health remains the priority, with Messi's return to training dependent on his clinical progress.