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Inter Miami face tidal wave of backlash for not being transparent on Lionel Messi’s availability

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

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.

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.

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