Messy Exhibition Tour: Inter Miami’s Struggles and Disappointing Results
Inter Miami’s global tour of exhibition games featuring Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez has been far from smooth sailing. The matches were intended to promote and market the team, leveraging the star power of Messi and Suarez. However, the tour has been plagued by negative publicity and lackluster results. From El Salvador to Dallas, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong, the team has struggled to find success.
In their five games so far, Inter Miami has been outscored 12-7 and has only managed to secure one victory. Even that win, a 4-1 triumph over a local team in Hong Kong, was overshadowed by angry fans demanding a refund and booing due to the absence of Messi and Suarez. Both players were sidelined with injuries, highlighting their aging bodies and susceptibility to nagging ailments.
John Grady, a sports law professor at the University of South Carolina, commented on the high expectations created by the marketing hype surrounding these exhibition games. He also noted that the disappointment caused by the non-appearance of marquee players can lead to fan outrage and public relations headaches for the team.
Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino issued an apology for Messi’s absence after the Hong Kong match. While fans had the opportunity to see Messi in a kick-around during practice, his limited playing time in the 6-0 loss at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia left many wondering if he would feature more prominently in future games. With the team’s MLS season opener approaching on February 22, Martino will undoubtedly face pressure to utilize Messi on Wednesday in Japan. Ultimately, it will be up to Messi himself to decide how much he is willing to play.
Inter Miami’s next game is scheduled against Vissel Kobe at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Wednesday, followed by a final match against Newell’s Old Boys on February 16 in Florida. The latter holds sentimental value for Messi, as it is his boyhood club in Argentina and potentially his future destination before retirement.
As the team prepares for their upcoming games, they will face the challenge of practicing in snowy conditions on the outskirts of Tokyo. However, game day is expected to bring sunny skies, albeit with freezing temperatures.
Despite the struggles and disappointments of Inter Miami’s exhibition tour, the team remains hopeful for a successful MLS season. The presence of star players like Messi and Suarez undoubtedly adds excitement and anticipation for fans. While the tour may not have gone as planned, it has certainly generated buzz and attention for the team. As they continue to navigate the challenges of injuries and fan expectations, Inter Miami will strive to turn their fortunes around and make a mark in the upcoming season.