USA Today via Reuters
Feb 1, 2024; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after a play against Al-Nassr during the second half at Kingdom Arena. Mandatory Credit: Victor Fraile-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 1, 2024; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after a play against Al-Nassr during the second half at Kingdom Arena. Mandatory Credit: Victor Fraile-USA TODAY Sports
Moments ago, Inter Miami played their fifth friendly encounter against Hong Kong XI. Congratulations and celebrations are in order for David Beckham’s soccer franchise as they registered their first victory of 2024, thrashing the All-Star side 1-4. While many are celebrating the victory, others are slamming the Herons for not playing the man of the hour, Lionel Messi.
Following a disastrous stretch in the Riyadh Season Cup, Inter Miami finally got relief against Hong Kong. However, despite the victory, supporters are furious at the MLS side. Although the Barcelona duo of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba managed to make an appearance in the second half, fingers have been raised by ardent fans over Lionel Messi’s absence. Despite tickets being sold in the name of the Argentinian superstar, they did not serve their intended purpose, as the 36-year-old saw his side secure a victory from the bench.
Additionally, Luis Suarez also warmed the bench alongside his best amigo. Thousands who were expecting La Pulga in action were forced to go home in disappointment. Instead of celebrating Miami’s win, the majority of the fan base is now furious and accuses the Florida-based team of being fraudulent with ticket sales.
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Questions of ‘where is Messi?’ echo among the soccer fans.
where's Messi，You lied to all the fans，What an expensive ticket！
— ziren_ink (@zren_l) February 4, 2024
A shameless act from the Herons.
You shameless conned the fans around China just came here to see messi playing.
— Aeon Wu (@AeonWu) February 4, 2024
Did Inter Miami just deceive over 45,000 fans?
Forty thousand fans on the field went to watch Messi play, but Miami International deceived everyone by hiding the fact that Messi would not play when they sold tickets before the game. To be honest, many fans spend nearly a thousand dollars！Real shame, Miami International!
— ZL Li (@ZLLi342800) February 4, 2024
David Beckham is being slammed for doing a major scam.
People came to watch Messi! Why is Beckham exploiting the public only in the name of Messi? If he does not play, why does he not speak before? It is truly a shame
— 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐇𝐈🇦🇷 (@Ar686Ra) February 4, 2024
Fans want their money back.
Refund people if you aren’t playing Messi
— 9AL (@9ALgamer) February 4, 2024
A humble request!
If you know that you won't play Messi don't bother putting him in the lineup
— Lian Huber (@LianH50552) February 4, 2024
Shots fired!
scammer! people paid to watch messi, suarez, but they didn’t even play!
— HimLWGame (@himlw_game) February 4, 2024
Greedy Miami!
don’t wait till last second to announce Messi’s participation you greedy pricks it’s the same story since last season with you greedy fiends
— Axcel🫡🏀 (@aaxcel10) February 4, 2024
This fan is cursing Inter Miami’s downfall.
Dear lord I pray you go back to the bottom where we found you.
This is disrespect— Andre (@Andrew19Andre) February 4, 2024
Looks like fans are not getting over this fraud act from Inter Miami easily. This certainly raises questions as to why the former PSG star failed to play even a single minute.
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Why Lionel Messi didn’t play against the Hong Kong XI?
Tata Martino was confident that Lionel Messi would play against the Hong Kong XI before the game. But despite preparation for the match, the reverse happened. Surprisingly, worries about injuries prevented Messi from seeing any playing time. After the Al Hilal encounter, in which he played until the 87th minute, he allegedly felt discomfort.
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There were also rumours of a possible hamstring problem. As a result, Messi had an MRI and played a limited role in the Al Nassr match. Since the Miami club has not made a formal statement regarding the health of their star player, it is logical to presume that Messi will get a three-day rest before facing Vissel Kobe.
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