Inter Miami knew signing Lionel Messi will bring some challenges, and the Herons’ trip to Hong Kong might have just been the perfect storm.
Speaking to the press, manager Tata Martino revealed that the Argentine international was not deemed fit to feature for Inter Miami on Sunday in a pre-season fixture against Hong Kong XI.
Whilst Inter Miami still named Messi on the bench, it was clear that the forward was never going to play, with the 36-year-old not even warming up throughout the match like other substitutes.
And the outrage from Messi’s no-show has been extreme, with David Beckham booed by supporters and Hong Kong’s own government releasing a statement criticizing Inter Miami.
Inter Miami were right to rest Lionel Messi vs Hong Kong XI
Indeed, the fallout from Messi not playing has been quite incredible, to say the least, with fans and governments now getting involved over what was quite literally a pre-season friendly.
And for Inter Miami, they should not have to feel the wrath of fans and state officials for protecting one of their star players, with Messi missing out on the fixture due to a small injury.
Whilst the match organizers could have done a better job in reassuring the public that Messi will not play, Inter Miami can not be faulted for their decision to rest their club captain.
As we know, Inter Miami’s pre-season schedule has been grueling, with the Florida franchise set for the final leg of the tour in Japan later this week.
Having Messi means Inter Miami need to hit realistic expectations for when they need to field the forward, and whilst fans are largely coming out to see the Argentine, the forward’s fitness must come first.
And for Inter Miami, they shouldn’t feel and for resting Messi when it’s absolutely necessary, with the attacker in the final years of his career and in need of being taken care of.