Lionel Messi has been avoiding the press since he joined Inter Miami. Although the league’s rules suggest that every player must make himself available to the media after every game, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner hasn’t done so. This has happened in two games now and so far the Argentine has faced no consequences for his actions.
Some are saying that he should be penalized as all players are equal and the rules apply to everyone while others claim that Messi has not broken any rules at all and it is all a big misunderstanding. How is he able to do this? Why are there no actions being taken against him? Let us take a closer look at the situation.
How is Lionel Messi able to avoid MLS interviews?
Messi has not made himself available to the press after not one but two of his matches. Even though the rules suggest otherwise, he does not seem to care. However, it’s not that the Argentine is doing so out of his own interest.
MLS has addressed the issue telling everyone that the reason Lionel Messi is kept hidden from the press after every match is because the MLS venues are small in size and are “not able to accommodate hundreds of journalists inside a locker room after the match.”
Messi has played nine games in the league and has not conducted any interviews with anyone other than the Miami Herald. According to Michelle Kaufman, the player and the league are trying to find “ways to make him more accessible without creating a safety hazard.”
Will Lionel Messi miss crucial MLS games due to international duty?
Lionel Messi has certainly helped his club reach new heights. Unfortunately, the club will be on its own for a few games as the Argentine has to go to his country to play for Argentina’s national football team. He is sure to miss the match against Sporting Kansas City on 9 September. It is also highly possible that the player might not be seen in the game against Atlanta United on September 15.
Furthermore, he will not be available for Inter Miami’s match against Charlotte on October 18 as Argentina is set to play Peru on October 17 for the World Cup Cup qualifying fixtures.
In total Lionel Messi will miss 2-3 games due to international duty. He may be available for the game against Atlanta United but that will depend on the player himself. It will be exciting to see Messi participate in the international games once again while many eyes will also be on Miami’s performance without him.
