Leo Messi has changed the fortunes of Inter Miami with the Argentine greeted by packed stadiums for home and away games.
With seven points from a possible nine in recent MLS games, a place in the 2023 US Open Cup final and an overall record of 11 games unbeaten since Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami, the Argentine has become a major source of optimism for Herons fans who dream of a place in MLS postseason.
Messi is also being heralded by the South Florida’s marketing and finance department as the Argentine has created a huge wave of interest both on and off the field with many who suggested that the striker would be in ‘semi-retirement Miami mood’ now eating humble pie. The World Cup winner continues to generate magic on the pitch, sell volumes of pink and black merchandise and pack out stadiums with many anxious to see the Rosario born at close quarters.
FIFA breaks
Inter Miami now face nine ‘finals’ as they look to climb the Eastern Conference table and secure at least a ninth place finish that would ensure a wild card place and a tilt at postseason football.
The Herons however will be missing Messi for the next home game against Sporting KC at the DRV PNK Stadium (to be played on Saturday, 9 September), with another absence on the horizon coming up in mid October when Messi will be back on duty for the ‘albiceleste’ with the No. 10 to be absent when Tata Martino’s men travel to North Carolina on 18 October.
No Messi, no party and no refund
For any ticket holders for these two particular games wondering what their position is in terms of refunds with Messi set to be missing, the short answer is that no reimbursement will be due simply because the mercurial Argentine will not be playing. The tickets in question were purchased to see Inter Miami CF participate irrespective of the eleven players selected by coach Tata Martino.