Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle are tied 1-1 in a friendly match in Puerto Rico, the last in a series of preseason games the Herons played across Latin America. Naturally, all eyes are on Lionel Messi.
The Argentine forward is the main attraction of the match and the reason Inter Miami decided to postpone the game originally scheduled for Friday, February 13. Messi was recovering from a muscle issue at the time, which made his participation impossible, so the match was rescheduled for Thursday.
Opposing them will be Independiente del Valle, one of Ecuador’s strongest teams over the past decade. They have won the domestic league twice (most recently in 2025) and have also made an impact internationally, with two Copa Sudamericana titles and a Copa Libertadores final appearance.
50’ – First chance created by Messi (1-1)
Leo set up Allende, whose shot went wide.
46’ – Other substitutions for Inter Miami (1-1)
Maximiliano Falcon, Rodrigo De Paul, and Tadeo Allende also come on for Fray, Bright and Morales.
46’ – First substitution for Inter Miami (1-1)
Lionel Messi comes on for Daniel Pinter.
Second half underway!
Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle remain tied 1-1.
Halftime
Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle are tied 1-1.
43’ – Substitution for Independiente del Valle (1-1)
Goalkeeper Villar leaves injured, with Miguel Peralta coming on as his replacement.
40’ – Suarez comes close! (1-1)
The Uruguayan took a free kick that was saved by goalkeeper Villar.
37’ – Yellow card for Perello (1-1)
The Independiente del Valle forward receives a booking.
33’ – The Herons close in on goal (1-1)
Suarez set up Pinter, who finished with a delicate shot that went just wide.
27’ – Another chance for the Ecuadorian side (1-1)
Pata fired a shot that went just over the crossbar.
22’ – Independiente del Valle close (1-1)
A corner from Sornoza headed toward goal, and Rios Novo had to make the save.
17’ – GOOOOAAAAL FOR INDEPENDIENTE DEL VALLE! (1-1)
Mercado scores the equalizer off an assist from Perello.
16’ – GOOOOAAAAL FOR INTER MIAMI! (1-0)
Santiago Morales scores a stunning goal off an assist from Luis Suarez.
15’ – First yellow card (0-0)
Yannick Bright is shown the first yellow card of the match for Inter Miami.
10’ – Independiente del Valle escape! (0-0)
After a pass from Suarez, Morales came close to opening the scoring with an acrobatic effort that struck the post.
5’ – First chance for Inter Miami
Yannick Bright fired a shot just wide after finding himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Villar.
Kickoff!
Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle are underway in Puerto Rico.
Match about to begin
The teams are set to take the field after a delay of more than 40 minutes.
Inter Miami’s jersey for tonight
Against Independiente del Valle, the Herons will wear their second kit.
Kickoff delayed
Due to the large number of fans still outside the stadium waiting to enter, the match between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle will begin 30 minutes later than scheduled, with kickoff now set for 7:30 PM ET.
Inter Miami confirmed lineup
Coach Javier Mascherano has selected the following XI: Rocco Rios Novo; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Lujan, Ian Fray, Abadia; David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, Shaw, Morales; Luis Suarez, Pinter. Lionel Messi is on the bench.
When will Inter Miami play next?
After this friendly against Independiente del Valle, the Herons will return to the United States to prepare for their next Major League Soccer match. On Sunday, they will face Orlando City in the Florida derby at Inter&Co Stadium.
Stadium for tonight’s match
Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle will face off this Thursday at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The venue, inaugurated in 1974 and renovated in 2003 and 2012, has a capacity of 24,000 spectators. It is the home of Bayamon FC of the Liga Puerto Rico.
Kickoff time
The friendly between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle kicks off at 7:00 PM ET.
Independiente del Valle confirmed lineup
The Ecuadorian side will start with this XI: Guido Villar; Daykol Romero, Juan Viacava, Jordy Alcivar, Mateo Carabajal; Patrik Mercado, Layan Loor, Junior Sornoza; Djorkaeff Reasco, Matias Perello, Emerson Pata.
Inter Miami face Independiente del Valle
Welcome to our live blog for the friendly match this Thursday between Inter Miami and Independiente del Valle. Stay with us for the most important information about both teams, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates!
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