Inter Miami will face a tough test against the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, as Lionel Messi will not travel with the team, according to a report from the Miami Herald. No injury concern exists; it’s simply that Messi required some rest in light of Miami’s tightly packed schedule, managing both Champions Cup and league commitments. Messi has already played 249 minutes across all competitions for the Herons, scoring two goals and assisting twice this season, continuing his form from the previous campaign after earning league MVP.
“Leo is fine. He is OK. He will train normally like the rest of his teammates,” interim coach Javier Mascherano noted regarding Messi’s fitness.
Miami is preparing for a Champions Cup round of 16 match against Cavalier SC in Jamaica this Thursday, making this break for Messi quite sensible for a match that Miami should be able to win without him. This strategy also puts the team in a better position to keep Messi healthy throughout the entire season, avoiding injuries like the previous year.
Tomas Aviles will miss the match due to a red card suspension received in the season opener against New York City FC, leading to potential rotations in the squad for their upcoming match in Houston. Miami is expected to utilize new signings Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende to help cover some of the offensive responsibilities.
For fans in Houston hoping to catch a glimpse of Messi, this news might be disappointing. Notably, teams like the Chicago Fire have previously offered compensation vouchers when star players missed games in their market. Such acts are not required but can significantly help strengthen fan relationships. Ticket costs tend to surge when Messi visits, and fans often travel great distances to see him play.
While the situation is unfortunate for some, Messi’s presence isn’t the only draw, as notable players like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez will still be present on the field.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, March 2
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Shell Energy Stadium - Houston, Texas
- Live Stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Houston Dynamo +140; Draw +270; Inter Miami +170
