The past few weeks have not been the best for Chinese soccer fans. Days after Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr canceled their tour of China, Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami gave the fans yet another setback. Inter Miami was in action against Hong Kong XI last night. However, fans were left frustrated as head coach Tata Martino kept the Argentine on the bench. This did not sit well with the fans, who expressed their disappointment across various platforms. With things growing out of hand, Martino was forced to issue a public apology during his press conference as he revealed his reasons for keeping La Pulga off the field.

This is the second consecutive fixture where Tata Martino has excluded the Argentine from his playing eleven. According to reports, Lionel Messi picked up a muscular injury during the clash against Al Hilal. The team management does not want to take any risks revolving around the player with just weeks left in the upcoming MLS campaign.

Martino apologizes to fans for keeping Lionel Messi off the field

The Inter Miami head coach talked about his decision to bench Lionel Messi during his press conference following the clash against Hong Kong XI. La Pulga was not the only absentee for the side with veteran striker Luis Suarez, also unavailable for the clash owing to fitness issues. “I understand the fanbase’s anger here in Hong Kong. The decision for them not to play was made with the medical team. There was a risk in playing them. I ask for the fans’ forgiveness.”

Lionel Messi has been absent from the team for the last two fixtures. The Argentine was absent from the team’s highly anticipated clash against Al Nassr, which saw the MLS side get thrashed 6-0 by their opponents. However, the Herons bounced back earlier tonight, bagging a 4-1 win over Hong Kong XI.

Big names set to miss the Inter Miami’s clash against Vissel Kobe

Inter Miami will be without the services of some of their top names during the clash against former J-League champions Vissel Kobe this coming week. The game will serve as Miami’s last game during their Asia tour before the team travels to take on Messi’s boyhood club. However, much to the dismay of Japanese fans, both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are unlikely to feature for the team.

READ MORE: ‘Only Lionel Messi Is Stronger Than Me’- Eden Hazard Snubs Cristiano Ronaldo, Calls Barcelona Legend ‘Greatest in History’

The two picked up a muscular injury during the Riyadh Season Cup and have been absent from the team’s playing eleven against Hong Kong XI. The team has a lot of expectations on their shoulders heading into the upcoming MLS season and will be looking for a strong start. Both La Pulga and El Pistolero will have to be on top of their respective games this season if the Herons want to come anywhere close to the league title.

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen joins Lionel Messi in creating special historic feat