“Never Going to Play on Turf” – Lionel Messi Ditches NFL Stadium After Aaron Rodgers’ Injury as Inter Miami Travel to Atlanta, Fans React

Tomorrow, Inter Miami will be traveling to Atalanta to play their MLS fixture against Atalanta United. As the anticipation surrounds tomorrow’s match, one of Herons’ big names is set to miss the match. Regrettably, fans won’t be able to catch Lionel Messi in action, as he doesn’t want to play in the same NFL stadium where Aaron Rodgers got injured. His decision has ignited strong reactions among fans.

While a few clubs in MLS continue to play their games on artificial turf, La Pulga would prefer to stay at home rather than play on such surfaces.

Fans react as Lionel Messi snubs to play in the NFL Stadium

Following his international duties, Lionel Messi rejoined Inter Miami to resume his domestic campaign. Likewise, the skipper was in contention to play tomorrow’s MLS fixture against Atalanta United. But in a surprising turn of events, Messi would not be traveling to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

This decision comes as the player has opted out of participating in the game scheduled on artificial turf. Significantly, this marks Messi’s first absence from a match since joining Inter Miami. Additionally, Atlanta United had already sold over 65,000 tickets for this game, with a minimum ticket price of $125. The ticket sales were likely attributed to Messi’s name, but the player himself won’t be making an appearance. This latest development has enticed fans to react on social media platform X.

Fans believe Messi will never play on the artificial turf.

Meanwhile, others are demanding to get rid of the turf.

This fan has a mission for La Pulga!

A few who specifically came to watch Messi are now asking for a refund!

This netizen believes the filled stadium isn’t only because of Messi.

Earlier, Messi had already been forced to play on the injury-prone turf. But this time, the former Barcelona man isn’t taking any chances, especially after he heard about Aaron Rodgers’ injury.

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Aaron Rodgers’ injury forces La Pulga to take precautions

Just a few days ago, the New York Jets’ star signing, Aaron Rodgers, made his debut. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury in his first game against the Buffalo Bills. Coincidentally, it occurred on the same turf where Messi was expected to play tomorrow. The use of artificial grass in soccer fields has gained a reputation for being injury-prone.

Despite complaints and a petition calling for the ban of artificial turf, the NFL maintains its stance that turf is no less safe for players compared to natural grass. Conversely, the MLS commissioner also urged teams with turf fields to transition to natural grass following Messi’s arrival. However, Atalanta United seemed to have taken no action, ultimately forcing Messi to miss the match.

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