Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets to miss Inter Miami’s MLS game due to busy calendar – Firstpost

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets will not play in Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer (MLS) match in Vancouver against the Whitecaps on Saturday, a move manager Gerardo Martino said was due to the team’s busy set of fixtures ahead.

Inter Miami, who are top of the Eastern Conference standings with 31 points from 15 games, will travel to Vancouver without the experienced trio in a match that was expected to draw more than 50,000 fans. Miami have two home games scheduled next week.

“We thought it was the most prudent for them not to play this match,” Martino said Friday. “They have been training, but they will not be available for the game.

“We obviously understand the frustration of the people wanting to watch these players play. We as coaches sometimes have to make these very difficult football decisions. But we always have to keep in mind the players’ health first.”

Messi has previously missed other MLS games, in Orlando, New York and Washington. The 36-year-old has 10 goals in 10 MLS games this season and leads the league in assists with 12.

Martino clarified that the artificial turf at BC Place did not play a role in the decision. Not using the players was about saving them from grueling travel and a three-hour time change, he said.

After the game against Vancouver, who are seventh in the Western Conference, Miami host Atlanta on Wednesday and St. Louis next Saturday.

In the past, MLS has opted against scheduling mid-week games for teams that have traveled long distances, or scheduled another road game nearby, Martino added.

“But it’s not a complaint,” he said. “We understand in our specific case that the players that we’re talking about are very important for everyone. But the health of these players is the priority.”

MLS issued a statement Friday saying it will “continue to review measures regarding how clubs report player availability.”

“Major League Soccer acknowledges fan disappointment when marquee players are unavailable for matches,” the statement said. “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.”

Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini said he is disappointed, too.

“It’s a bummer like for everyone else,” Sartini said. “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.”

Discounted foods, drinks for fans

Ahead of the official disclosure, Whitecaps chief executive Axel Schuster had already warned fans that they didn’t expect the trio to make the journey.

“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 said.

“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.”

In a bid to soften the disappointment for fans who snapped up tickets, the club will provide food and beverage at 50 percent off, with free kids meals.

“We know that there will also be a lot of disappointed fans,” Schuster said.

“We remain committed to making this a special experience for everyone. It is still going to be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for our city.”