Lionel Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s MLS game against Houston sparked a social media frenzy and raised concerns among soccer fans. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano rested Messi due to a congested schedule, similar to NBA load management. The Houston Dynamo addressed disappointed fans by offering free tickets to upcoming matches. This situation prompts questions about fans’ expectations, the fairness to Messi, and the implications for clubs when a star player misses games. As Messi continues to sit out certain matches, discussions arise about the need for MLS intervention, echoing the NBA’s approach to player participation.
GOAL US writers discuss Messi’s absence from Miami’s game against Houston and whether rival MLS teams should compensate fans.
Lionel Messi grabbed attention last week when Inter Miami revealed he would not be making the trip to Houston for their Sunday night MLS match against the Dynamo. This triggered a wave of anxiety across the soccer world. Social media exploded with reactions. Reddit turned a bit snarky.
The Dynamo, for their part, issued an official statement expressing their regret for disappointed fans and announced a giveaway of free tickets for future games to rectify the situation.
Messi was not sidelined due to injury; instead, Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano opted to rest him because of the team’s “busy schedule” – akin to what the NBA refers to as “load management.” The team had played midweek and on the weekend in both MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup over the previous two weeks. Since Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, he has occasionally been given a break during busy playing periods.
This situation seemed somewhat trivial when viewed from a distance. After all, it was just one player missing one match for a fairly logical explanation. However, it does bring up legitimate concerns. Messi likely can’t handle 40+ games a season and stay healthy.
Should fans expect him to—especially rival fans eager to see the 37-year-old superstar perform in their venue? Is this fair to him? Should the greatest player in history spend what might be his final season fretting about potential injuries?
And then, there’s the matter of the clubs. The Dynamo won’t be the last team this season to face a “cancellation” from Messi. Do they owe something to their fans if he doesn’t show up, particularly since the decision rests with Miami, not the home club? Should MLS step in, much like the NBA did when load management became excessive, implementing a new Player Participation Policy for the 2023-24 season?
All of these are fascinating questions that have been lingering ever since Messi joined MLS.
GOAL US writers delve into these topics in a load management edition of… The Rondo.