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News, Blog and GuidesThe Herons haven’t confirmed or denied whether the Argentina captain would play in games against Atlanta United and Toronto FC due to fitness issues.
Diego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaRoddy ConsRoddyConsEstados UnidosUpdate: Sep 20th, 2023 12:46 EDT
Gary A. VasquezUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Despite speculation that he could be fit, Lionel Messi ultimately didn’t play for Inter Miami in their MLS game away to Atlanta United last weekend, much to the disappointment of fans and media pundits alike. Supporters who had shelled out vast sums of money to see the Argentina captain do his thing in the flesh at Mercedes Benz Stadium felt especially hard done by, not receiving the “experience” they thought they’d paid for.
Late decisions made on Messi for Atlanta United and Toronto FC games
Of course, Messi, contrary to popular belief, is human, which means there is always a chance he will pick up injuries here and there, like any other sportsman. After he suffered muscle fatigue while on international duty, Herons manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino and his coaching staff decided fielding their star player against Atlanta, who ran out convincing 5-2 winners, wasn’t worth the risk. The decision not to play him, however, was made late in the day.
There has been similar uncertainty as to whether Messi will feature in Wednesday’s game against Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium, with the mixed messages coming out of Miami drawing criticism from former USMNT star Alexi Lalas about how the former Barcelona star is being managed.
What are your thoughts on Messi not traveling with Miami for its previous matchup against Atlanta? 🤔@AlexiLalas breaks down the impact that Messi has not only on Miami but MLS and discusses the importance of transparency when it comes to using his name for promotions ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/NwH2haoskm
— Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast (@SOTUWithAlexi) September 20, 2023
MLS and Inter Miami’s lack of transparency over Messi
In his State of the Union podcast, Lalas accused both Inter Miami and Major League Soccer for a lack of transparency as to whether Messi would be playing in certain games or not, especially considering both have used him “to promote absolutely everything” since his arrival.
“If Messi’s not going to play, they need to make it very, very clear”
“They have used Messi, from the moment it was announced, to sell and to hype and to promote absolutely everything on and off the field. I think that, whether it is Inter Miami or MLS, if they have information and if he is not going to play, they need to make it very, very clear,” said Lalas.
The 53-year-old believes MLS owes it to fans to be upfront with regard to the spectacle they’re paying to see.
New State of the Union pod talking Messi mess, jury duty, pizza, Dear Child, Milan Derby, Friday night lights, Atlanta, 50 Cent, UCL, youth soccer villainy, Weston, & more. 🇺🇸⚽️ @SOTUWithAlexi https://t.co/lfcLvcNZgq
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) September 19, 2023
