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Messi’s match against Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle was originally scheduled for 13 February, but it has been pushed back by two weeks as the 38-year-old footballer suffered a hamstring injury during last weekend's 2-2 draw against Ecuadorian club Barcelona SC.
Messi apologises to Puerto Rico fans
Messi was unable to play the full match against Barcelona, leaving the pitch in the 58th minute after suffering a muscle strain in his left hamstring.
“Hello everyone, I’d like to send my greetings to the people of Puerto Rico, both those who were going to attend the training session and the match,” Messi said in an Instagram Story on Thursday.
“The truth is that in the last match in Ecuador, I ended up with discomfort, which is why I came off before the end. Because of that, together with the organisers and the club, it was decided to suspend this match. I hope it can be rescheduled, that we can see each other, and that we can visit you soon.”
الأسطورة ميسي يوجّه رسالة إعتذار:
"مرحبًا جميعًا، أردت أن أوجّه هذه الرسالة إلى أهل بورتو ريكو، سواء الذين كانوا سيحضرون التدريب أو المباراة.
في الحقيقة، في آخر مباراة لي في الإكوادور شعرت بانزعاج عضلي، ولهذا خرجت قبل نهاية اللقاء. وبعد ذلك، وبالاتفاق مع الجهة المنظمة والنادي،… pic.twitter.com/kt11YavPsv
— Messi World (@M10GOAT) February 11, 2026
“I’m sending you all a very big thank you for your support and affection. I know tickets had already been sold and everything was set in motion, so hopefully we can make it happen later. A big hug to everyone, and all the best.”
Such was the demand for the match featuring Messi in Puerto Rico that the tickets for the game were sold out in just 17 minutes. The good news is that the tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled match, which will take place at the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon.
Puerto Rico was the latest stop in Inter Miami’s pre-season tour, with matches earlier being played in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Why does Messi-minus match have to be postponed?
In the larger scheme of things, it’s a very rare thing that a pre-season match is postponed due to injury to a player. But not surprising at all.
Pre-season across different countries are a common thing in football, as the most popular clubs use these trips as a brand activation event and an opportunity to strengthen bonds with their overseas fans.
While pre-season matches are ideally expected to get the players and team in shape, it has become an increasingly commercial activity in modern-day football.
That is why the pre-season match between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle has been rescheduled after Messi’s injury. It’s no longer a practice game or a preparatory match, it’s a commercial event like a music show, an opportunity for fans to see one of their most favourite footballers play.
Lionel Messi missing a match vs Hong Kong led to a massive controversy in 2024. Image: Reuters
And there’s hardly anyone as popular as Messi. Maybe also Cristiano Ronaldo!
But in Puerto Rico's context, Messi is the main and only attraction.
In Messi’s absence, there’s a big risk of fans turning against the organisers. This is exactly what happened last year in 2024 when Messi did not play in a friendly in Hong Kong due to an injury. Messi's no-show led to a political crisis as the footballer was accused of “disrespecting” China and Hong Kong.
The organisers were also forced to issue 50% refund due to the criticism, leading to millions in losses for Tatler Asia, a magazine and lifestyle brand.
Well aware of past mistakes, VRDG Entertainment Group, the organisers of Messi’s game in Puerto Rico, acted quickly and brokered a new match date in negotiations with Messi and Miami. Now they will hope he turns up on that date.
