Just hours ago, Inter Miami finally played their much-anticipated MLS fixture against Atlanta United. While the result of the match didn’t end in the Miami-based club’s favor, it’s the absence of their star player, Lionel Messi, that has become a barbershop topic. Despite reports that the skipper missed the game to avoid playing on the artificial turf, the Herons’ boss, Tata Martino, claims this wasn’t the case at all.

Furthermore, this marks the first defeat for Inter Miami in two months since the arrival of their new No. 10. A loss, which came in the absence of their leader.

Tata Martino details the reason for the absence of Lionel Messi

Inter Miami traveled to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium without their blockbuster arrival, Lionel Messi. Likewise, another super signing, Jordi Alba, was also left back in Florida by the Herons. Regarding Messi, some reports had suggested that La Pulga wouldn’t play against the Georgian side due to the artificial turf. However, Miami boss Tata Martino was quick to clarify.

Inter Miami podcast owner Franco Panizo asked Martino why Messi and Alba didn’t play tonight and whether their absence had something to do with the turf. He replied, “They both have muscular fatigue. It has absolutely nothing to do with the field. We have a (final) on Sept. 27.” Certainly, his words suggest that both former Barcelona stars missed the game due to fatigue.

Moreover, after a week, Miami is in contention to play in the US Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo. Hence, Martino thought of giving the duo a rest for the upcoming matches. Certainly, this also proves La Pulga didn’t miss the match because of the ‘artificial grass’. Nevertheless, his absence did lead David Beckham‘s soccer franchise to suffer its first defeat in two months.

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Inter Miami’s first defeat in two months

While Messi was resting in his new mansion, Miami was being thrashed at the NFL stadium by the home side. In an enthralling 7-goal match, Atlanta United won the game 5-2 against the visitors. Notably, Leonardo Campana gave Miami a lead in the first quarter of the game. However, the first half ended in Atlanta’s favor, who had a three-goal lead.

Campana again tried to inspire Miami for a comeback as he neatly tucked a penalty from the spot. However, it was worth the try as Atlanta again put two past the Herons. Indeed, it is a big win for Gonzalo Pineda’s side and a major upset for Tata Martino’s side. Seemingly, fans would be upset with the final scoreline. But they’ll be looking to make a comeback in the next one. Any thoughts? Let us know below.

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