Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's Absence and Montreal's Victory: Inter Miami Update

Find out why Lionel Messi was rested and how Montreal defeated Inter Miami in a thrilling match!

Inter Miami faced a challenging match against Montreal, which marked the end of their unbeaten run. Lionel Messi, the star player, was notably absent, watching from the sidelines as Montreal secured a victory with goals from Fernando Alvarez, Matias Coccaro, and Sunusi Ibrahim. Despite efforts from Inter Miami with goals by Leonardo Campana and Jordi Alba, they couldn't secure a win without Messi's presence. The match highlighted Inter Miami's weaknesses, as defender Serhiy Kryvtsov pointed out their major flaws heading into the 2024 season.

In a surprising turn of events, Messi's absence raised questions about whether he was injured or simply rested by coach Tata Martino. Martino defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of managing Messi's playing time effectively. The absence of Messi also provided an opportunity for other players to shine, with Santiago Morales, Nicholas Almeida, and Daniel Pinter being called up to the U.S. U-17 MYNT, showcasing the talent within Inter Miami's ranks.

The match saw Jordi Alba's impressive goal, reminiscent of Messi's play, showcasing the team's resilience despite the defeat. Martino's post-match comments highlighted his dissatisfaction with the referee's decisions, adding another layer of controversy to the intense match. As Inter Miami navigates the challenges without Messi, their determination to excel in the league remains strong, promising exciting developments in the upcoming games.