FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) \u2014 Inter Miami\u2019s Lionel Messi has a strained left hamstring, an injury that could call into some doubt his availability for the reigning MLS Cup champions\u2019 regular-season opener at LAFC on Feb. 21.<\/p>\n
The team announced the injury on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Messi, MLS\u2019 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 \u2014 presumably because of the hamstring issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,\u201d Inter Miami said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The injury also means that what was supposed to be Inter Miami\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.<\/p>\n
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