It’s been almost three days since the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina took place.
A final that the Europeans took home, and MLS players like Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi couldn’t achieve the back-to-back championship.
Despite that awful moment for the soccer community, or just me cause i’m from Argentina, the truth is that the MLS competition continues, and Inter Miami must retain its dominance on the field.
However, to do that, they will need Messi’s help.
Although everyone expects the GOAT to appear tonight against the Chicago Fire and battle against Robert Lewandowski once again, that won’t happen, and here’s why.
Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing tonight for Inter Miami vs the Chicago Fire?
The answer to this question is simple, and it has to do with FIFA. The players who participated in the World Cup final did not receive the same three-week vacation.
So, to reduce the risk of injuries, the organization in charge of soccer in the world introduced the following statement that every club must respect:
“All players who take part in the World Cup final must be granted at least 21 consecutive days of rest, equivalent to three full weeks of vacation. That period begins immediately after the championship match and is a right that clubs must respect before asking their players to return.”
With this being stated by FIFA, Lionel Messi won’t take part in tonight’s game between the Herons and the Fire.
That’s why, if you checked the MLS Injury Report, you’ll notice that the Herons captain is listed in there, but under the assumption that it is not due to an injury, but as something extra in footballing terms.
Inter Miami's current form is, in part, thanks to Lionel Messi's presence on the pitch.
That said, without him, the Herons will have to rethink whatever tactical plan they had in place, as it almost certainly included the Argentine superstar in the starting XI.
However, Inter Miami have players capable of beating the Chicago Fire, as long as the defense can contain their new star striker and their pacey wingers.
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