Inter Miami are in hot water with their own fans after Lionel Messi didn’t appear in the matchday squad for Thursday’s Concacaf Champions Cup home game vs. Cavalier.
Inter Miami gave no indication or warning that Messi wouldn’t be available for the game until the lineup was released. This left fans outraged as they paid top dollar to see him play at Chase Stadium only to learn he wouldn’t be on the field.
The backlash online came in droves.
Fans react to Messi absence vs Cavalier
The club isn’t just doing this with Messi but also with Drake Callender and Fafa and everyone else that’s injured. What on earth is wrong with them? The famous quote we keep hearing from them is “Day-to-day basis”
The transparency is absolutely terrible! pic.twitter.com/yCMTZgR9yg— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) March 6, 2025
At what point are you finally going to be transparent with the media and the fans?
Absolutely disgraceful, @InterMiamiCF. pic.twitter.com/elAU5Pulx0— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) March 6, 2025
They only care about money. @InterMiamiCF shit institution that doesn’t care about fans and players but money
— GoodWay (@05ali_s05) March 6, 2025
Disgraceful and unacceptable
People buying expensive tickets to watch him play need to know.Football lovers who wait every week for these 90 mins deserve to know
People in the far east Asia who change their sleep cycle need to know #Messi #InterMiamiCF
— TechVagabond (@TheVagabond7) March 7, 2025
@InterMiamiCF we need an explanation, its not hard its saying "messi won't be available for the next few games" not after every game say that messi is fine and training well
— Quevedo (@FcBQuevedo) March 6, 2025
I believe it's important for you to provide an update regarding Messi's situation. The lack of response across all social media platforms is causing many fans, myself included, to unfollow. As a devoted fan, I respectfully request an explanation if possible?
— Sandy (@Tech_Freak_305) March 7, 2025
Messi not even on the bench, this is so unfair to the fans.
— н’вσzz (@iamhbozz) March 7, 2025
Be transparent with your fans you fucking losers
— CFCBogasson (@FinBogasson11) March 6, 2025
Shut up, have respect and transparency for the club's fans.
— Inter Miami Zone (@InterMiamiZone) March 6, 2025
This marks the second Herons game in-a-row that Messi has been absent. The Argentine icon didn’t make the trip to Houston last weekend to face the Dynamo in MLS action. This prompted the Houston club to release an apology statement for fans hoping to see Messi.
— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) March 2, 2025
No official injury has been listed for Messi as head coach Javier Mascherano said the star player is dealing with fatigue and slight overload. Inter Miami want to rest Messi to avoid a major injury.
Messi’s fitness has been an issue since coming to MLS. Last season he missed 15 games across all competitions due to various injuries.
The 37-year-old will want to be fit for Argentina’s two World Cup qualifying games at the end of March against Uruguay and Brazil. Inter Miami have games against Charlotte, Cavalier and Atlanta United before the international break.
It will be interesting to see if Messi plays for the Herons again before he departs for Argentina.
