May 25th 2024.
The highly anticipated match between Inter Miami and the Whitecaps this Saturday in Vancouver will unfortunately not feature the talented Lionel Messi. This decision was made by coach Gerardo Martino due to the team's tight schedule in the upcoming weeks. Along with Messi, fellow star players Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets will also not be taking the field for the Major League Soccer-leading Miami team. Despite the disappointment of the fans, Martino believes it is in the best interest of the players to sit this one out.
"We thought it was the most sensible choice for them to rest for this match," Martino explained during a press conference on Friday. "They have been training, but we have decided not to make them available for the game. As coaches, we are faced with tough decisions like this, but the health of our players always comes first."
This is not the first time Messi has missed out on an MLS game, as he was also absent from matches in Orlando, New York, and Washington. However, his performance this season has been outstanding with 10 goals and 12 assists, making him a crucial player for the team. Martino clarified that the decision was not influenced by the artificial turf at B C Place, but rather to protect the players from the exhausting travel and three-hour time difference.
After their game against the Whitecaps, Miami has two home games scheduled next week against Atlanta and St. Louis. Martino mentioned that in the past, MLS has avoided scheduling mid-week games for teams that have had to travel long distances, or have scheduled another away game nearby. However, he made it clear that he was not complaining and understands the importance of player health.
In response to the disappointment expressed by fans, MLS issued a statement saying they will continue to review measures on how clubs report player availability. "We acknowledge the disappointment of fans when marquee players are unable to play, but each club makes their own decisions based on what they believe is best for the team and the players," the statement read.
Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini also shared his disappointment with the news. "It's a bummer for everyone, including us," Sartini stated. "As a coach, you always want the opportunity to face top-quality players, and not having the chance to play against arguably one of the best players in the last 20 or 30 years is unfortunate." Despite the absence of Messi and his teammates, Sartini and his team are still determined to give their best performance on Saturday.
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