Lionel Messi won’t play every game for Inter Miami CF, disappointing fans in Houston, Chicago, and Vancouver. The 37-year-old star hasn’t traveled or played for the team despite being a highly anticipated visitor.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano attributed Messi’s absence to load-management due to a packed schedule of MLS games, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. However, this isn’t the first time fans have expressed frustration with Messi’s missed appearances.
In 2023, Chicago Fire offered ticket rebates for future games when Messi didn’t show up, but many fans were still unhappy despite a 4-1 win. The situation has been repeated in Vancouver, where fans sued the team after being sold out of their tickets at inflated prices for highly touted games featuring Messi.
Vancouver Whitecaps fans filed lawsuits claiming false advertising and seeking refunds, while others asked for free admission to an additional match through a Canadian Premier League side. Meanwhile, Houston Dynamo offered complimentary tickets to fans disappointed by Messi’s absence, but the cheapest tickets were still listed at $200.
The trend is worrying for MLS clubs expecting a star-studded Miami visit this season. With lengthy trips on their schedule, teams must find ways to manage expectations and ensure fan satisfaction.
Source: https://www.si.com/soccer/lionel-messi-missing-inter-miami-matches-fuming-fans-lawsuits-and-how-clubs-deal-with-it