In a dramatic turn of events at DRV PNK Stadium, Inter Miami faced New York City FC in a highly anticipated match, but it was not quite the spectacle the fans had envisioned. The presence of global superstar Lionel Messi, who recently joined the team, had raised expectations to unprecedented heights, but the evening saw a mysterious injury sidelining the Argentine sensation. This turn of events tested the loyalty of fans and sent ripples through the Inter Miami community.
A Soaked Evening of High Hopes and Disappointment
As the rain poured down on the grass, fans gathered with excitement and anticipation, only to be greeted by the sight of Lionel Messi in street clothes. The disappointment was palpable, as they had hoped to witness his magic on the field. Instead, they redirected their energy towards rooting for an Inter Miami victory, only to end up with a 1-1 draw against New York City FC.
Inter Miami defender Kamal Miller summed up the collective sentiment, stating, “It just felt like we had let them down.”
However, both the fans and players showed resilience in the face of adversity. They endured a weather delay, lingering uncertainty regarding Messi’s injury, and a 1-0 deficit. They rallied in stoppage time with unwavering determination, almost clinching a win. The draw kept their playoff aspirations alive, as they remain four points behind with four games left in the season.
Beyond the playoff implications, this spirited fightback in the match’s final moments helped offset a growing sense of unease that had begun to overshadow Messi Mania. The initial euphoria surrounding his arrival had started sour in the past week, posing a new challenge for Inter Miami as they aim to extract more positivity from their roller-coaster season.
The Price of Loyalty
The events of the evening took a toll on the dedicated fans who had committed to Inter Miami through thick and thin. Alex Guzman, a South Florida soccer enthusiast, had been a loyal supporter for years, even during the club’s challenging seasons. He remembered times when he struggled to give away his tickets. However, Messi’s arrival had rekindled hope and excitement.
Yet, barely two months later, Guzman found himself disillusioned. His dismay wasn’t solely due to Messi’s absence but rather the stunning increase in the price of season ticket renewals. In 2023, he paid $969, but for 2024, he was quoted a staggering $2,018. “They priced me out,” he expressed matter-of-factly, a sentiment shared by many loyal fans who felt their commitment was not reciprocated.
This frustration extended to the newer Messi fans who had invested significant amounts in tickets, only to witness Messi watching the match from a suite due to his injury. Rain and adverse weather conditions further dampened the spirits of the spectators. Tickets were being sold for less than $20 on secondary platforms as some tried to recoup their expenses.
The Uncertain Future of Messi at Inter Miami
The cloud of uncertainty hanging over Inter Miami is further intensified by the enigmatic nature of Lionel Messi’s injury. Head coach Tata Martino has offered vague updates, leaving fans and the public in the dark about the true extent of Messi’s injury. While Martino denies any intent to create hype by concealing information, he acknowledges the competitive advantage of keeping details under wraps.
Rumors and speculations have swirled, including claims that Messi’s injury might be a hamstring tear. Martino has stated that they are evaluating Messi’s condition game by game, and he has been training separately from the group. Thus, the question remains: when will Messi make his return? His presence is undoubtedly transformative, as the team’s performance has fluctuated significantly with his absence.
The roller-coaster journey of Inter Miami continues, and the fans are left wondering whether they will see Messi back in action before it’s too late to secure a playoff spot.