Lionel Messi suffered a left hamstring muscle strain during a friendly match, sidelining him indefinitely and raising alarms in his club and the Argentine national team one month before the Finalissima against Spain.
Inter Miami confirmed that Lionel Messi has a left hamstring muscle strain, sustained during a friendly match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador. The club stated in a release: “Messi did not participate in Wednesday's February 11 training due to a left hamstring muscle strain suffered during the match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador, which persists since then.” Additional medical tests confirmed the diagnosis, and his return will depend on clinical and functional progress in the coming days.
This indefinite absence means Messi will likely miss the MLS opener in 11 days against Los Angeles FC. Additionally, the team postponed a friendly in Puerto Rico against Independiente del Valle due to the injury. Messi apologized to local fans via a video on social media.
Concerns extend to the Argentine national team, which will face Spain in the Finalissima in just over a month. The World Cup begins in June, where Lionel Scaloni's squad aims to defend their title. While recovery from a hamstring strain typically allows a return in weeks, his participation in the Finalissima appears likely according to club sources.
