UNITED STATES: Inter Miami is at present coping with Lionel Messi’s harm, with the staff claiming he would possibly play however by no means doing so. Messi was left off the beginning lineup for a match towards New York Metropolis FC, which had important playoff implications for each golf equipment. Inter Miami has not disclosed the severity of the harm.
Messi, a 36-year-old famous person, has been dominated out of Inter Miami’s final three video games, 4 of its final 5 video games, and one for Argentina resulting from weariness. He solely made a 37-minute cameo towards Toronto on September 20 however needed to go away earlier than halftime resulting from a leg harm associated to an outdated scar tissue subject. The staff confirmed his absence 45 minutes earlier than the sport on Saturday.
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Inter Miami is 5 factors behind NYCFC and vying for one of many 9 Japanese Convention locations. With solely 4 extra MLS video games left, Messi’s standing stays a thriller, regardless of followers paying lots of of {dollars} to see him on the sector. The staff continues to be accountable for whether or not it makes the playoffs.
The uncertainty surrounding Messi’s standing has triggered outrage amongst followers on social media, who’ve responded to staff messages expressing disgrace and a want for clarification.
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The staff’s standing just isn’t the one subject of dialogue, as Inter Miami has additionally despatched notices to present season ticket holders about worth will increase for the upcoming marketing campaign.
Season ticket costs for seats close to midfield will probably be 98% larger than final yr, with some followers anticipating a more-than-100% improve. The part the place Inter Miami’s most ardent supporters stand and wave banners will see an 82% improve, from $485 to $884.
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The best-priced season tickets for the upcoming season are over $40,000, not together with suites, and are anticipated to be greater than $100% larger than final yr.
Messi’s two-and-a-half-year take care of Inter Miami can pay him a median of over $50 million per yr, regardless of anticipated worth will increase. The staff has already been reaping monetary rewards, with Messi’s shirt being the preferred within the league this yr.
Inter Miami spent cash on signing Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, two key midseason additions who have been injured. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami started in July, and his gross sales on the staff’s web site since then have been the very best since then.
Inter Miami has been led by Lionel Messi, who has scored 11 objectives in 12 video games this season. The staff is 8-0-4 when Messi performs, with seven of these video games occurring through the staff’s quest to win the League Cup.
Nevertheless, the staff has gone 1-2-1 in its 4 video games with out Messi, with opponents profitable by 12-10 whereas he’s off the pitch and 29-12 when he’s on the pitch.
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