After MLS Playoff Elimination, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Forced to Plan Exhibition Games to Avoid Missing 4 Months of Action

Inter Miami’s MLS playoffs dreams ended after a heart-crushing defeat against FC Cincinnati. The absence of a fit Lionel Messi hurt Gerardo Martino’s side’s chances to end the season on a good note. With the MLS season coming to a close for Miami after their game against Charlotte FC, the Herons’ board is reportedly in talks to play in exhibition matches. These matches are likely being planned to keep the players active during this off time.

Lionel Messi had a wild run in the Leagues Cup. The Argentinean helped the Miami side clinch their first silverware. Though, in his absence, the team faltered and wasn’t able to win the US Open Cup. It’s rumored that Saudi Arabia is planning to make a big move for Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami to go on tour overseas

The U.S. Soccer League starts in February and ends in December. After Miami’s elimination, they will not be playing soccer for a period of four months. Four months is a big time to be inactive if you’re playing in the top tier. Players are known to lose fitness and develop fatigue because of inaction. Citing this, the Miami club will go on an Asian tour to play a few friendlies.

Famous Argentinean journalist, Gaston Edul took to social media to share the club’s plan for an international tour. As per the plan, David Beckham‘s team will head to China and Japan to compete in friendly matches. Lionel Messi and his team will fly from Miami in the first week of November. The competitors for the exhibition matches haven’t been decided yet.

The Japanese League and the Chinese Super League end in December and November respectively. It’s thus possible that the Miami club play their exhibition matches against Japanese and Chinese clubs. Lionel Messi enjoys a global audience and his landing in Asia is sure to attract hoards of crowd. It also won’t be wrong to speculate that international clubs that finish their league early can also be a part of this tour.

Read More – “It’s Going to Be Problematic” – Lionel Messi Choosing Argentina Over Inter Miami Can Wreak Havoc for David Beckham and MLS, Says Analyst

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is rumored to be planning a massive bid for Lionel Messi. The Argentine can soon pull off a Beckham-like move when he joined AC Milan from LA Galaxy on loan for the duration when the league remains inactive.

Saudi Arabia in talks to bring Lionel Messi to Riyadh

Inter Miami’s season has drawn to a close, leaving Lionel Messi with a four-month window of opportunity. With the league on hiatus, Saudi Arabia is eyeing a loan deal to bring the World Cup winner to their shores during this dormant period. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) are diligently working to secure his services for a Saudi club, with ongoing internal evaluations.

Lionel Messi’s availability extends until the end of February, post his last match against Charlotte FC in Miami. This potential move echoes the trend of off-season loans in soccer, reminiscent of legends like David Beckham’s stint at AC Milan during his LA Galaxy days and Thierry Henry’s two-month loan to Arsenal while donning the NY Red Bulls jersey. A definitive update on this exciting prospect is expected soon.

Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

Lionel Messi is currently in Argentina preparing for the World Cup qualifiers. The World Cup Champion has been out with a scar injury for a long time now. However, it remains to be seen if Lionel Scaloni chooses to rest the player for the upcoming games.