Argentine International and Inter Miami star, Lionel Messi, missed training after suffering a muscle strain in his left hamstring, an injury that has forced the postponement of the club’s preseason finale.
The reigning MLS Cup champions confirmed that Messi sustained the injury during last weekend’s preseason match against Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador.
The Argentine forward scored in the game but was substituted in the second half. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed the hamstring strain, the club said in a statement.
“His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,” Inter Miami noted.
As a result, Friday’s scheduled friendly against Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Puerto Rico has been rescheduled for February and Inter Miami are set to kick off its MLS campaign on February 21.