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Just Before 8th Ballon D’Or Win, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami’s Chaotic China Friendlies Cancelled

Published 10/31/2023, 5:11 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

In the world of sports, sometimes unpredictability becomes the driving force behind the headlines. As Lionel Messi celebrated his record eighth Ballon d’Or title in Paris, his club Inter Miami found themselves entangled in a whirlwind. Inter Miami, the MLS team blessed by Messi’s presence, had announced a brief tour of China, aiming to expand the club’s global presence. However, as fate would have it, their anticipated journey to China was abruptly derailed, raising questions among fans.

Following their elimination from the 2023 MLS Playoffs contention, David Beckham’s Inter Miami was scheduled to engage in two friendly matches against local Chinese teams. However, as the Herons face a setback in their plans, let’s dive deeper to uncover the reasons behind it.

An unforeseen twist for Inter Miami

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In the soccer world, the unexpected often happens, and the sudden cancellation of Inter Miami’s China tour is no exception to this fact. According to reports by renowned Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, the highly anticipated tour will not take place due to “bureaucratic and commercial issues.” As a result, Inter Miami’s squad will now remain in the United States, training at their Florida Blue Training Center until mid-November.

Inter Miami was set to travel to China to play two friendly games against Chinese Super League sides Qingdao Hainiu and Chengdu Rongcheng on November 5 and 8. The game against Chengdu Rongcheng was scheduled to be held at a 60,000-capacity stadium Phoenix Hill Sports Park, but reportedly it has been canceled due to bureaucratic reasons. The announcement of the cancellation came after the venue for the first match was changed. Originally, it was announced to take place at Qingdao’s home stadium, but it was moved to a smaller Wuyuan River Stadium in Haikou.

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While the termination of the China tour may seem like a setback for Inter Miami, it could work in favor of their star, Lionel Messi. Reports from Gaston Edul, who is closely associated with La Albiceleste indicate that the Miami tour cancellation will allow Messi to be in peak condition for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers. In the CONMEBOL qualifiers, Argentina is set to face formidable rivals, Uruguay and Brazil, marking their captain, Lionel Messi’s return after his historic eighth Ballon d’Or.

Historic day for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami

Though Inter Miami’s brand expansion plans are hit with a setback, the media impact of Messi winning his eighth Ballon d’Or while being a part of their team is unparalleled for the MLS. In a remarkable feat, Lionel Messi has become the first active player in the American soccer league to receive this prestigious accolade. It further solidified Messi’s place as the greatest of all time.

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via Reuters

As Messi’s Inter Miami adventure continues to captivate fans across the globe, the unexpected cancellation of the China friendlies may well prove to be a blessing in disguise. It provides the opportunity for players to rest and recover before the start of their international duty. Fans will be waiting to see Lionel Messi return to action after his record eighth Ballon d’Or triumph.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Makes a Huge Assist for Esports Space

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Written by:

Sahil Sharma

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Sahil Sharma is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. He's been a fan since childhood, but his love for the sport truly took off when Real Madrid won their record 10th UEFA Champions League title in 2014. That famous La Decima triumph turned him into a hardcore Madridista.
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Edited by:

Sreeda U M