Inter Miami’s talisman Lionel Messi sustained a strained right hamstring injury during the Champions Cup Round of 16 triumph over Nashville SC on Wednesday night, subsequently causing ticket prices for Miami’s upcoming away fixture against D.C. United to plummet.
Coach Tata Martino confirmed Messi’s discomfort, leading to his substitution in the 50th minute as a precautionary measure. “We didn’t want to take any risks,” Martino explained. “We wanted to see if he could hang on a bit more, but it was bothering him so we preferred to take him out of the game.”
With Messi unlikely to be available for the D.C. clash, ticket prices for the match at Audi Field saw a rapid decline within hours of the news. Prices on StubHub fell by 28 percent, with the cheapest seats available for $100 and the most expensive for $3,275.
Messi’s absence poses a challenge for Inter Miami, especially considering their past struggles without him. In the seven games Messi missed previously, Miami’s record stands at 0-3-4.
Inter Miami remains determined to maintain its attacking prowess
However, when Messi is on the pitch, fans are treated to displays of brilliance, as witnessed in the recent clash against Nashville. The Inter Miami marquee, featuring Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, dazzled the audience, guiding the team to a commanding 3-1 victory and securing a spot in the Champions Cup quarter-finals.
Despite Messi’s setback, Inter Miami remains determined to maintain its attacking prowess. Coach Martino emphasized the importance of other scoring options and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt.
Nashville coach Gary Smith acknowledged the impact of Messi’s absence, noting the “dip” in Miami’s performance. However, he praised the team’s attacking mindset, emphasizing their relentless pursuit of victory.
As Inter Miami navigates through a challenging period without Messi, the team remains steadfast in its commitment to entertaining and competitive football.
Read: Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez lead Inter Miami to 5-0 rout over Orlando City
