Priya Singhania
Three of Inter Miami’s main players—Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets—will be absent from their team’s upcoming MLS matchup against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The three would miss Saturday’s game, according to manager Gerardo Martino, because of the team’s full schedule.
Inter Miami sits at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with 31 points from 15 games.
Despite their strong position, the team has opted to travel to Vancouver without Messi, Suarez, and Busquets, a decision made in light of their demanding schedule.
The match, projected to draw over 50,000 people, will proceed without these big players, as Miami prepares for two critical home games next week.
Martino clarified on Friday, “We felt it was the most prudent for them not to play this match.” The player’s health and well-being must come first, he stressed, even though the fans’ annoyance is understandable. “They have been training, but they will not be available for the game.”
Prioritizing The Players Health First
Martino emphasized that the lengthy flight and the three-hour time difference had more of an impact on the choice than the artificial turf at BC Place.
“It goes without saying that we are aware of how frustrated fans are when certain guys don’t play. As coaches, we occasionally have to make these really tough football decisions.
However, the athletes’ health must always come first,” he said.
Messi has been a standout player this season despite missing prior MLS matches in Orlando, New York, and Washington.
The 36-year-old leads the league in assists with 12 and has scored 10 goals in 10 MLS appearances.
In order to guarantee Suarez and Busquets’ availability for upcoming crucial games, Martino emphasized the significance of monitoring his own fitness as well as theirs.
The MLS Scheduling Challenges
Martino also mentioned the difficulties with logistics brought about by the MLS schedule.
He mentioned that the league usually schedules another road game close by or stays away from scheduling midweek games for clubs that have traveled great distances.
But he clarified, “It’s not a complaint.” “We are aware that the players we are discussing are crucial to everyone in our particular situation. However, these players’ health comes first.”
MLS responded to the matter by releasing a statement in which it acknowledged that fans were disappointed when their favorite players are unavailable.
“Each MLS club makes its own personnel and competitive decisions based on what they believe is in the best interests of the club and each player,” said the statement.
Top Reactions from Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini voiced his disappointment at the absence of the key trio.
“It’s a bummer like for everyone else,” Sartini remarked. “You would love also the opportunity to have the possibility to play against a lot of very strong and quality players and arguably probably the best player in the last 20 or 30 years. But it is what it is. The main focus is playing well.”
Axel Schuster, the chief executive of the Whitecaps, had previously raised the possibility that the three would miss the game.
“While we haven’t received an official update on the availability of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand they will not make this trip,” Schuster stated.
He acknowledged the disappointment this would cause fans but emphasized that the situation was beyond their control.
Fan Compensation Efforts
In an effort to lessen the disappointment of supporters who bought tickets thinking they would witness Messi, Suarez, and Busquets, the Whitecaps have revealed plans to improve matchday activities.
The club will provide complimentary kid’s meals in addition to a 50% discount on food and drinks. “We know that there will also be a lot of disappointed fans,” Schuster stated. “We’re still determined to give everyone a memorable experience. The mood and celebration of soccer for our community will remain fantastic.”
Final Thought
The choice by Inter Miami to bench Messi, Suarez, and Busquets highlights the difficulties in maintaining a top player’s fitness level in the face of a demanding schedule.
In order to win in Vancouver and hold onto their dominant position in the standings, the club will try to rely on their depth and other important players.
Fans will have to wait a little while longer to see their idols return to action.
It is hoped that the time off given to their best players would pay off, enabling Inter Miami to welcome Atlanta and St. Louis next week with rested and productive players.
For now, the focus remains on navigating the demands of the MLS schedule while prioritizing the health and performance of their star-studded lineup.
This article was written by Priya Singhania, Author @09sports.com
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