Lionel Messi’s injury concerns have overshadowed Inter Miami’s build-up to the new MLS season, with the Argentine star sidelined by a hamstring problem and doubts growing over his return date. Defending champions Inter Miami suffered a major setback when star player Lionel Messi was injured in their penultimate warm-up game against Barcelona SC in Ecuador.
The 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign kicks off this weekend with defending champions Inter Miami taking on Los Angeles FC in an away fixture.
Lionel Messi’s injury has raised many eyebrows, including that of coach Javier Mascherano, over his availability for the season opener. Inter Miami travelled to Ecuador for a pre-season friendly against Barcelona SC on February 7. Messi limped off early in the second half after picking up a left hamstring strain, a soft-tissue injury that often requires careful management at this stage of his career.
The Argentine superstar scored his first goal of the 2026 calendar with a well-taken goal in the 31st minute, but had to watch the remaining portion of the game as his team settled for a 2-2 draw. Messi did not train due to lingering tightness and pain, and the Herons cancelled their final pre-season game in Puerto Rico.
Messi scored 29 goals and 19 assists last season, making him the second player in MLS history to have a 48-goal contribution since Sebastian Giovinco of Toronto FC.
Lionel Messi’s Injury Concerns as Miami Faces Early Test
Careful management of Lionel Messi’s injury will be crucial if Miami want him fully fit for the long MLS campaign. At 38 years old, in a World Cup year, and playing in three competitions, Mascherano will need to manage his players well to keep everyone on deck if they are to retain their MLS Cup.
Messi is expected to return in early March, which fans might see him return in the third game. Because his progress is “day-to-day,” a full training return could realistically come any time in the days following the season opener, or potentially later if Miami elects to protect him in the early phases of the campaign.
It’s worth noting that Messi has battled muscle issues sporadically in the past and typically returned quickly from strains when managed correctly, but at age 38, every setback is treated with heightened caution. On the brighter side, though, many fans and pundits have seen Messi return from a muscle strain and hit the ground running imeditaely scoring goals.
Joining Messi on the injured bed is new signing Sergio Reguilon, who suffered a grade 2 knee strain during the same pre-season game Messi got injured in Lima, Ecuador. Reguilon was brought in to replace the retired Jordi Alba. That leaves another gaping hole on the left side of the midfield, where both players would necessarily operate.
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Impact on Inter Miami’s Opening Game
Inter Miami’s title defence could suffer a seismic blow due to Lionel Messi’s injury, even for a short time. The Argentine’s mere presence and his astonishing contribution made him not only the club’s talisman last season; he was also the engine behind their attack, finishing with eye-watering numbers and winning back-to-back MLS MVP awards before sustaining this latest strain.
The broader MLS title race could shift quickly depending on how Inter Miami copes without Messi in the early weeks.
Loss of Creative Force
Most MLS teams play Inter Miami with a low block, looking to hit the Herons on the counter. However, Messi’s ability to create chances, his ingenuity to unlock defences, and his sublime scoring prowess from nothing make him invaluable.
Though wearing size 7 cleats, his boots are not easily filled. In his absence, Inter Miami will need other creative players to step up, which is a tall order, especially against top opposition like LAFC.
Shocking Tactical Shift
Lionel Messi’s injury has forced Inter Miami to rethink its tactical approach for the opening game. Head coach Javier Mascherano might pivot toward a more balanced or pragmatic setup that doesn’t revolve around Messi’s magic, placing greater responsibility on Miami’s midfield and wing play to generate offence.
Two of the most likely replacements would be German Berterame and Benjamin Cremaschi. Even beyond tactics, Messi’s presence in the field is a morale booster. His absence could subtly shift the team’s confidence – particularly in high-pressure moments early in the season.
LAFC vs Inter Miami Head-to-Head
The two teams have played each other five times, with LAFC holding a slight advantage, winning 3 of those games. However, the Herons trounced LAFC 3-1 in their last fixture, with Messi getting on the score sheet.
If they are to repeat this feat, they will have to do it without the Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. They will also love to take sweet revenge on the team that beat them 1-0 at the United Airlines Field in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum back in 2020 on Inter Miami’s debut season.
Ultimately, how Inter Miami handles Lionel Messi’s injury could define the early weeks of their season.
LAFC, on the other hand, which is suffering from the injury bug, will also have an uphill task if it is to start the new campaign on a high note. New head coach Marc Dos Santos will be without the services of Aaron Long, Igor Jesus and Jacob Shaffelburg.
Fans on the West Coast are expecting a cracking start if they are to see their team restore their position at the summit or at least take home a trophy this winter. Irrespective of the outcome, this fixture will produce some fireworks.
- Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass).
- Radio: 710 AM ESPN / ESPN LA App (English) and KFWB 980 La Mera Mera (Spanish).
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Recording Date: 20.02.2026
