Messi’s Inter Miami travel to Puerto Rico for a Feb. 13 friendly with Independiente del Valle — a final warm-up before the MLS restart. Punters may back Miami to win and Messi to score; consider a Miami win or Miami -1 Asian handicap and Messi anytime scorer markets as smart preseason bets.
Messi adds Puerto Rico to his globe‑trotting tour as Inter Miami head to Bayamón
Lionel Messi will make Puerto Rico the latest stop on his international tour when Inter Miami face Ecuadorian champions Independiente del Valle in a preseason friendly on Feb. 13 in Bayamón. The match is Miami’s fourth warm‑up ahead of the 2026 MLS season and arrives just days before their Feb. 21 opener against LAFC.
Fixture context and date
The friendly offers a final tune‑up against quality opposition. Independiente del Valle is the reigning Ecuadorian Serie A champions, providing a stiffer test than local amateur sides. Puerto Rico does not currently field a professional domestic league; the island’s top competition is the amateur Liga Puerto Rico.
Preseason itinerary
Inter Miami’s preseason sequence includes trips to Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, with friendlies scheduled against Alianza Lima, Atlético Nacional and Barcelona SC before the Puerto Rico clash. The Bayamón game is intended to sharpen the squad ahead of competitive commitments in MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Opposition and logistical notes
Independiente del Valle will travel a long distance to meet Miami in Bayamón, giving both teams a valuable runout. Puerto Rico last hosted professional soccer through the Puerto Rico Islanders (2003–2012), but lacks a pro structure now, so bringing in an Ecuadorian champion ensures a stronger competitive test.
Messi’s international footprint
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has played across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, Peru, Panama, Honduras, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
His recent international outing included leading Argentina to a 6–0 friendly win over Puerto Rico in Miami, and Miami’s 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup trip saw them beat Jamaica’s Cavalier FC 4–0 on aggregate.
Betting implications — what punters should consider
This matchup is likely to favour Inter Miami on paper, especially with Messi available as a game‑changer. Markets to consider: match winner (Miami), Messi anytime scorer, and Asian handicap (Miami -1) for slightly better value. Preseason lineups can be unpredictable — monitor starting XI news and substitution patterns for sharper live or ante‑post wagers. Goals markets (over/under) could also be attractive depending on team selections.
What the friendly means for Inter Miami’s 2026 campaign
The Puerto Rico fixture is aimed at building match fitness, cohesion and tactical sharpness ahead of the high‑profile MLS opener against LAFC on Feb. 21. Facing strong opposition in preseason will help assess depth and readiness, particularly against opponents expected to challenge Miami domestically and in continental competition.
Grupo Pachuca wants to return Chucky Lozano to Europe with Real Oviedo
Inter Miami will head to Puerto Rico for their fourth match of the MLS preseason.
Si
