March 3 – Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs have all benefited from the Lionel Messi effect as match-day tickets soar in value whenever the Argentine great hits the road, however, when he doesn’t show up, the financial effects are felt the other way.
The Houston Dynamo became the latest club to issue an apology after it was revealed that Messi would not be in Inter Miami’s travelling party for their second match of the season in MLS. The club have offered free tickets to a future match to all attendees due to his absence.
The Dynamo said that they believed Messi would be fit to play as he was not mentioned in the obligatory player status report that all clubs are mandated to complete prior to their next league game. This report lists players that are carrying injuries or are out for a period of time.
“The recently shared player status report for the match did not include forward Lionel Messi, but it has been reported he did not make the trip to Houston,” the team statement read. “Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent.”
The reason for Messi’s no-show was a decision taken by his head coach and former Barcelona teammate, Javier Mascherano, who noted the fixture congestion that Miami is already experiencing just weeks into the new season.
Inter Miami has already played two midweek matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup defeating Sporting KC and now travels to Jamaica to take on Cavalier FC in the round of 16.
Other MLS clubs who have felt the wrath of their own fans and been forced to backtrack after a Messi no-show include the Vancouver Whitecaps, who were compelled to offer their record crowd 50% off all food and drink at the game. The Chicago Fire who gave their fans vouchers for future games after he missed the match due to an injury suffered during last year’s Copa America.
Messi’s absence also caused Inter Miami a major embarrassment on a post-season tour in Asia with match organisers Tatler Asia having to give fans a 50% refund on match tickets.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1748072837labto1748072837ofdlr1748072837owedi1748072837sni@o1748072837fni1748072837