The match between Inter Miami and Ecuador's Independiente del Valle, scheduled for Friday in Puerto Rico, has been postponed to February 26 due to an injury to Argentine star Lionel Messi. Messi himself explained in an Instagram story posted by Inter Miami that he "finished with discomfort" after the last match in Ecuador. "Together with the organization, the club decided to suspend this match (...) Thank you for the love because I know all the tickets were sold," the footballer said, addressing his fans in Puerto Rico. Messi did not participate in Wednesday's training due to a left hamstring muscle strain suffered during the match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador, and his return to training will depend on his recovery in the coming days. Meanwhile, VRDG Entertainment, the group in charge of the Puerto Rico event, called it a "regrettable news" that is "out of everyone's control." "All parties agreed that the event must happen, but with the participation of Leo Messi, who is the main figure," so it was agreed to postpone the game, VRDG Group stated in written comments. The original tickets, which sold out in just 17 minutes, are valid for the new dates. Inter Miami was scheduled to travel to the island on Thursday for an open training session for the public at the Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, where the match was also to be held. This preseason tour of Inter Miami has taken place in countries such as Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, but none had an open training session for the public.
