Lionel Messi’s move to MLS changed the landscape of the league, particularly benefiting his club Inter Miami. He guided his side to their first-ever silverware in history in August, choosing the endeavor of the Florida-based club over staying in Europe.
Unfortunately, the World Cup winner missed the opportunity to lift the US Open Cup in the final against the Houston Dynamo, as his side lost in his absence. Messi did not appear in the starting XI of the final due to injury and is in doubt to feature against the Chicago Fire.
Chicago provides soccer fans incentive amid Lionel Messi health concerns
Inter Miami are trying to make it through to the next round of the Major League Soccer Playoff round, dealing with a hectic schedule of games ahead. Now, the task has become even more difficult as their captain Lionel Messi is sidelined due to injury concerns.
Next up, Miami is set to take on Chicago Fire at Chicago’s home venue, Soldier Field. It is expected that 60,000 fans will turn up at the Chicago Fire’s home ground to witness the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion in a Miami shirt, though the Argentine is doubtful to feature.
Regarding the situation, Chicago Fire released an official statement assuring incentives for the fans on new membership, season passes, and single-match tickets.
The club’s statement said,” To show our appreciation, the Chicago Fire will be offering a $250 account credit toward new memberships for the 2024 season – or a $50 account credit for anyone unable to use the new member credit – to all single-game ticket buyers who attend our match vs. Inter Miami regardless of which players are able to make an appearance on the pitch.”
Latest on Lionel Messi injury before Chicago FC match
Messi was seen at the practice on Tuesday, however, his availability for Wednesday’s fixture is uncertain. Moreover, the Miami coach Gerardo”Tata” Martino refused to provide any timetable regarding Messi’s return while speaking to the reporter before the session.
Since, his return from National team duties, Messi hasn’t featured regularly for his club and only played 37 minutes against Toronto. Altogether he had missed the last five fixtures for his club, it was earlier reported as fatigue but things look a bit more serious now.
Lionel Messi’s availability for matches has been uncertain due to ongoing injury and fitness concerns, and the 36-year-old star’s status is being monitored regularly. This has resulted in his absence from many recent games as decisions are based on his daily recovery progress.
