Posted May 23, 2024 5:09 pm.
Last Updated May 23, 2024 5:44 pm.
Argentinian soccer superstar Lionel Messi will not play in a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place Saturday.
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed Thursday that Inter Miami CF players Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets will not play in the weekend’s game.
“We understand they will not make this trip. Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent, and it was important for us to communicate to our fans as soon as possible,“ said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC CEO.
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The Whitecaps FC said it was expecting a record-breaking 54,000 spectators to attend the sold out match.
As consolation, the Whitecaps are offering all in-stadium food and beverage for the match at 50 per cent off. It added that youth 18-years-old and under will be provided one free kids meal combo.
Sportsnet 650’s Dan Riccio says he suspects that Messi is taking every precaution to not injure or exhaust himself before playing in the 2024 Copa América tournament for Argentina later this month.
“I would imagine it’s all of the above: rest, injury, this is a long flight … Inter Miami [FC], their quest for the MLS Cup, it can be put on hold until October,” said Riccio.
He added that a lot of the MLS matches over the summer don’t hold as much meaning to visiting teams.
As consolation for the change to the lineup, the Whitecaps are offering all in-stadium food and beverages for the match at 50 per cent off. It added that youth 18-years-old and under will be provided one free kids meal combo.
