Messi doubtful for opener: Inter Miami confirm injury, assess return | OneFootball

The preseason for the "Herons" added a note of concern following the latest health report issued by the club. Lionel Messi was forced to miss Wednesday's practice due to a strain in his left hamstring, an ailment he has been dealing with since the recent friendly match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador. Given this situation, the technical team led by Gerardo Martino opted for caution, leaving the participation of the star from Rosario in doubt for the imminent start of the 2026 MLS season.

The institution explained that, although further studies ruled out a more serious injury, the recovery of the Argentine captain does not have a set date. Messi's return to the training fields will be gradual and will depend on his daily clinical progress. This caution aims to avoid unnecessary risks in a year where the schedule will be extremely demanding for both the Florida club and the Argentine National Team.

Beyond the physical setbacks, the Messi phenomenon continues to break records in the offices. Nearly three years after his arrival in the United States, Inter Miami has managed to establish itself as the most valuable franchise in Major League Soccer. Thanks to sustained growth, which reached an additional 22% in 2025, the club chaired by David Beckham now boasts a valuation of 1.450 billion dollars, finally surpassing the Los Angeles Galaxy at the top of the financial ranking.

This economic leadership reflects the sporting success that Messi injected into the institution since his arrival. With three titles in the trophy cabinet and unprecedented global exposure, the "10" not only transformed the footballing present of a team that was unfamiliar with victory but also turned it into a commercial powerhouse that today dominates the North American soccer market.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.