Inter Miami finally won their first game in the pre-season against Hong Kong XI. Yet, the talking point was the absence of their captain, Lionel Messi. The Argentine maestro sat out the game at the Hong Kong Stadium which led to the disappointed fans demanding refund and the government to question the organizers. Now Messi has opened up regarding his absence in a recent presser.

He said (via Google Translate), “I missed the last match in Hong Kong due to muscle discomfort. I wanted to play”, as compiled by Sakanowa. Hence, it looks like the decision was made by the upper management to protect their star player. Messi also expressed his regret at not being able to play in the Hong Kong friendly in a press conference in a five-star Tokyo hotel.

The Inter Miami star added, “The truth is that it was bad luck that I couldn’t (play) on the day of the Hong Kong match. It’s a shame because I always want to participate, I want to be there, and even more so when it comes to these games when we travel so far and people are so excited to see our matches. I hope we can return and we can play another game and I can be present.”

Messi was nursing a hamstring strain and had to be taken off after playing just seven minutes in the game against Al Nassr. This put his participation against Hong Kong XI in doubt and when he didn’t show up, fans were upset at not getting to see the soccer icon in action.

Lionel Messi was reportedly injured in the game against Al Hilal. The Argentine playmaker had started the game and played on till the 87th minute. Subsequently, he faced discomfort and even had an MRI scan. This resulted in him having a minimal role in the ‘Last Dance’ against his rival Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Coach Tata Martino might not have wanted Messi to play in the game. However, he was seemingly forced to due to a contractual obligation. Considering that Cristiano Ronaldo was also ruled out of the game and Messi not featuring could have resulted in significant fan backlash, the decision may have seemed apt.

Ahead of the Hong Kong XI game, Martino was quite confident that Lionel Messi would feature. He had said, “We will determine how long he (Messi) can play depending on what happens in tomorrow’s training session, but he will surely be on the field.” However, this did not end up working out and Lionel Messi missed the Hong Kong clash. Angry fans at the stadium asked ‘Where is Messi?’ and even booed every entering Miami substitute. The government also expressed its displeasure and asked for an explanation from the organizers.

After doubts emerged about Messi’s participation against Vissel Kobe, there were rumors that the match may be called off altogether. Apple TV even removed the game from its MLS Season Pass lineup, before Inter Miami posted an update about the game and ticket availability on its X account.

However, Messi remains a doubt for the clash against Vissel Kobe. But, he is not the only injury concern for The Herons.

Lionel Messi and 4 other players in doubt, ahead of the Vissel Kobe match

Ahead of Inter Miami’s visit to Japan, they are sweating over the fitness of a few players, including their captain. Besides Messi, Inter Miami fans are quite concerned regarding the news of Luis Suarez. The striker was on the bench in the win against Hong Kong XI. He is reportedly having a knee inflammation, following the match against Al Nassr.

Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami Cancelled? Lionel Messi’s Serious Injury Reportedly Forces David Beckham to Take Big Decision

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Serhiy Kryvtsov is another name under doubt after being replaced at the half-hour mark against Hong Kong XI. Likewise, midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi will also not be available after having sports hernia surgery. A definite absentee is attacker Facundo Farias who suffered an ACL tear, which could rule him out for the entire season!

Can Inter Miami win against Vissel Kobe without Messi? Share your opinion in the comments below.

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