“No League Commissioner Can Force Any Team or Player to Do” – After Aaron Rodgers’ Injury on Turf, Lionel Messi’s Decision Draws Response From MLS Chief Don Garber

Lionel Messi brought an array of hope for Inter Miami after his arrival in the States following their poor start to the season. Thus, soccer fans were left disheartened by the ex-PSG forward’s absence prior to their crucial league game. But Messi had a solid reason for that. Recently, the MLS chief articulated his position regarding any team and its players in reaction to la Pulga’s decision.

Speaking of injuries, Aaron Rodgers, the NFL veteran, suffered a severe-ending injury in the opening game itself. Meanwhile, Messi opted out of the Atlanta United tie that was scheduled to take place on the same type of field where the New York Jets quarterback is sidelined for several months from action.

MLS chief remarks on La Pulga’s decision

Don Garber, the MLS commissioner, described his stance in the absence of the world champion from the MLS fixture. Fans were divided into opinions when Lionel Messi opted not to travel with Inter Miami to face Atlanta United. Following his absence, the Herons ended up losing the game 5-2 against the Five Stripes. However, the Argentine missed the game amidst the international commitments for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The ex-Barca talisman experienced muscular fatigue during the campaign, which explained his decision to take a break from the game. In this instance, the MLS chief stated, “No league commissioner can force any team or player to do what is not in the best interest, health and safety of the player.”

Nevertheless, fans claimed that the world champion’s decision was connected to the artificial turf of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They believed Lionel Messi refrained from participation following Aaron Rodgers’ injury on the similar artificial turf of their NFL fixture.

Read more: 868 Days of Drought After Lionel Messi’s Exit Ended by $32,000,000 Superstar

Did Aaron Rodgers’s injury influence Lionel Messi?

The discussion regarding athletes playing on artificial grass pitches resurfaced after Aaron Rodgers sustained a season-ending injury on Monday. The veteran quarterback experienced an Achilles injury while playing against the Buffalo Bills. The four-time NFL MVP suffered a torn tendon during his debut game on the artificial surface of MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Following the game, the NFL players condemned the non-grass pitches that created worries about potential injuries. In this instance, Messi avoided the Atlanta United game, which was scheduled to be played under similar artificial conditions. The 7x Ballon d’Or champion expressed readiness to play on natural surfaces after he joined the South Beach side, but not such injury-prone turfs. However, Messi’s absence provided him an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming five MLS matches and their US Open Cup final as the season gets underway.

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Do you think the MLS chief could have influenced Messi’s decision? Comment below and let us know.