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Messi, Inter Miami Caught in Earthquake Scare in Honduras

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Feb 8, 2025 8:41 PM ET

At 6:23 p.m. ET on Saturday, an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck north of Honduras, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The powerful earthquake triggered an offshore tsunami warning in the Caribbean Sea north of the Central American country. The seismic event was capable of causing hazardous sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents as soon as 8:48 p.m., per the United States National Tsunami Warning Center

But with an Inter Miami CF preseason match against Club Deportivo Olimpia set to kick off at 8 p.m. in Honduras as a part of the Herons' "The Americas Preseason Tour," the call was made.

The match was being played at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa, approximately 400 miles southwest of the epicenter. It is also worth noting that the Honduran capital is not near the coastline.

According to Inter Miami journalist Franco Panizo, a club spokesperson said, "nothing was felt near or around the stadium in Honduras."

Update:

Inter Miami spokesperson says nothing was felt near or around the stadium in Honduras.

Game is going on.#InterMiamiCF #Messi https://t.co/dHxPTnOYQd
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) February 9, 2025

Messi started the match for the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield winners, who were without star defender Jordi Alba for the preseason friendly.

Shaky ground could not stop the reigning MLS MVP, who scored a goal in the first half on an assist from Luis Suarez.

Chelo ➡️ Suárez ➡️ Messi

Tras un gran pase del Chelo, Lucho se la deja en bandeja de plata a Messi para nuestro primer gol de la noche pic.twitter.com/fqAv1pC1r0
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 9, 2025

It was the latest in a series of chaotic events that have followed Inter Miami on its American tour. The last match in Panama was marred by a broken livestream that brought heavy criticism to the club.

The preseason started with controversy in Las Vegas, as Miami's Argentinian hero mocked Mexican fans after scoring a goal. After the match, an alleged incident between Messi and a team executive reportedly led to a dramatic front office shakeup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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