Messi Poised to Make History as Inter Miami Prepares for Groundbreaking Preseason Showdown

Lionel Messi will expand his international playing experience to include another FIFA territory when Inter Miami travels to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico for a preseason encounter against Ecuador's Serie A titleholders Independiente del Valle on February 13. 

Although Puerto Rico lacks full independence status, it participates in international sporting competitions, fielding a men's national soccer team currently positioned 156th in FIFA's latest World Rankings from January. Messi previously encountered Puerto Rico when he captained Argentina to a commanding 6–0 victory in a friendly match at Miami's Chase Stadium last October. 

This Caribbean destination represents Miami's fourth preseason fixture, following their initial tour through Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador for exhibition matches against Alianza Lima, Atlético Nacional, and Barcelona SC. 

Messi has previously competed in 49 different countries, with his most recent Caribbean appearance occurring during the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, where Miami eliminated Jamaica's Cavalier FC with a comprehensive 4–0 aggregate victory. 

Following his Miami signing in 2023, Messi has competed across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Peru, Panama, Honduras, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. Puerto Rico will now join this extensive list through the scheduled friendly encounter. 

Why Play Independiente del Valle?

Why Play Independiente del Valle?

Miami's opposition will also undertake a considerable journey to reach Bayamón, Puerto Rico, since the American territory currently lacks professional soccer clubs—maintaining only an amateur league, Liga Puerto Rico, which wouldn't offer sufficient preparation for Miami's upcoming 2026 MLS and Concacaf Champions Cup seasons. 

In earlier times, however, this fixture could have featured a Puerto Rican professional side. The island previously hosted the Puerto Rico Islanders, who competed in the North American Soccer League and USL First Division from 2003 before folding in 2012. 

By securing the Ecuadorian Serie A champions as opponents, the Herons will encounter a challenging adversary in their fourth preseason examination, preparing for their 2026 MLS regular season debut against Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga's LAFC on February 21. 

Inter Miami 2026 Preseason Schedule

Inter Miami 2026 Preseason Schedule