Lionel Messi has sustained a strain in his left hamstring, potentially jeopardizing his readiness for the upcoming regular-season opener of the reigning MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami, against LAFC on February 21.

The injury was announced by the team on Wednesday.

Messi, the back-to-back MVP of MLS, was able to score a goal during a preseason match in Ecuador the prior weekend but was substituted approximately twelve minutes into the second half, likely due to the hamstring issue.

“His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,” Inter Miami stated.

This injury also implies that what was slated to be Inter Miami’s last preseason game will now occur approximately a week after its MLS debut. The team will compete against Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, on February 26, which will include an open practice as part of that trip.