Days After Ditching NFL Turf, Lionel Messi Sparks Ballon D’or Rumors With a Shock Change in Look

Lionel Messi didn’t travel with the squad for the match against Atlanta United.  The reason to skip the match could be the artificial turf installed at the Mercedes-Benz stadium. Artificial turfs are known to be injury-prone with many athletes complaining about the use of such turfs. However, Lionel Messi was back in the training surprising his teammates. During a recent training session, teammates and fans also noticed an interesting change in Messi’s appearance.

The Argentinean skipped the match and was spotted spending time at Miami’s youth academy. Meanwhile, Inter Miami didn’t have a good run without their talisman, as they lost their fixture against Atlanta United.

Lionel Messi in a different look: Good luck charm?

Messi attracted eyes with a clean-shaven look. The Argentinean has previously done the same each time before the Ballon d’Or ceremony. In a post on X by Inter Miami FC Hub, the caption read,” Messi has always shaved his beard before winning the Ballon D’Or ceremony!!! Messi today in training with a beardless look. #LM8 loading for the (goat emoji).”

During the Copa America matches in 2016, Messi had kept a beard for a long time. Messi then stated that he had been asked by his teammates to keep the beard until the tournament ended. Argentina lost the final on penalties against Chile in the 2016 tournament.

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Inter Miami lost 5-2 against Atlanta United. On top of it, Messi’s decision to not play raised eyebrows among the Atlanta supporters. The fans then resorted to brutally trolling the World Cup champion.

Atlanta United fans brutally troll Messi

In a brutal taunting session, Atlanta United fans mercilessly trolled Messi after their team defeated Miami 5-2. Despite Leonardo Campana’s valiant efforts with two goals, Miami’s defense faltered. The absence of star player Lionel Messi fueled Atlanta’s fans to chant “Where is Messi?” in a viral video that showcased thousands of synchronized voices.

Messi’s prior heroics, which led Miami to a 4-0 triumph over Atlanta, seemed like a distant memory amidst the jeers. Reports initially suggested that Messi’s reluctance to play was linked to concerns about the artificial turf, but Manager Tata Martino clarified that both Messi and Jordi Alba were grappling with muscular fatigue.

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Gerardo Martino also put the focus on the upcoming US Open Cup final. This unwelcome reception left Inter Miami fans disgruntled, while the loss kept their team languishing in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. Do you think Inter Miami will win their next match against Toronto? Let us know in the comments below.