The Argentinian star did not travel to Texas on Saturday.
Inter Miami traveled to Houston for his week 2 -Showdown against the Dynamo in the Major League season 2025 for his week 2 -Showdown. However, the biggest storyline around the journey is the shock surcharge of Lionel Messi, which confirms that the worldwide superstar will not participate in the matchup of Sunday evening).
Why doesn't Messi play for Inter Miami? Is he injured?
According to Fernando PetroCelli from Diario as the correcting of an earlier report by Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald-Redt Messi is comfortable for the Concacaf Champions Cup round of Inter Miami of 16 first legs against Cavalier SC. That match is set for Thursday March 6 in Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The absence of Messi is a big blow to MLS, because this competition was planned to become the second edition of Sunday Night Soccer of the competition, an event that positions the competition in the same way as the Sunday Night Football of the NFL. His presence would undoubtedly have increased the viewers and the national interest.
With Messi out, all eyes will be on the tactical adjustments of head coach Javier Mascherano. The 40-year-old Argentinian manager must rearrange his line-up to compensate for the absence of the largest star of his team. Inter Miami opened the season with a draw against New York City FC and is now confronted with added pressure to secure all three points against a tough dynamo team.
Mascherano initially stated in Friday's press conference that Messi was in good condition and trained normally. However, his omission of the traveling team suggests a last-minute change in plans for Inter Miami.
Messi is not the only player who is missing from Sunday's matchup. Winger Fafà Picault and right back Marcelo Weigandt are also sidelined due to injuries, so that Inter Miami stays without extra important pieces. As a result, the herons will lean heavily on veterans Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to lead the attack in Houston.
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