During Inter Miami’s recent 5-0 victory over Orlando City, Lionel Messi’s free-kick went astray, accidentally hitting a little girl and leaving her in tears. This incident occurred when Messi failed to find his target during a set-piece against Orlando City.
Today News: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Retirement Buzz: Insights from Partner Georgina Rodriguez
In the game, Luis Suarez, in his MLS debut, scored the first two goals and provided two assists for Messi, while Robert Taylor added another goal for the undefeated Miami team. Julian Gressel played a key role in assisting Suarez’s two goals, both within the first 11 minutes. Goalkeeper Drake Callender made crucial saves, securing his second clean sheet for the Herons.
Messi is possibly Feeling Fatigued
This defeat marked Orlando’s worst regular-season performance since a 5-0 loss to New York City FC in July 2021. Inter Miami’s coach, Tata Martino, hinted at Messi possibly feeling fatigued, noting the Argentine star’s extensive energy expenditure in the team’s initial MLS matches after a demanding tour of Asia to prepare for the season.
Today News: Calls for Change: Man Utd Fans Demand Action After Amrabat’s Costly Mistake
Martino stressed the importance of better support play from Messi’s teammates, aiming to maximize the 36-year-old’s impact and conserve energy for the long season ahead. The coach’s observation is particularly relevant as Inter Miami is set to participate in up to five tournaments this season: the MLS regular season, MLS Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, Leagues Cup, and US Open Cup.
Furthermore, Messi is expected to play a significant role in the MLS regular season due to the league’s new £2.5 billion, 10-year agreement with Apple TV. Unlike his traditional pre-seasons with Barcelona and PSG, the 2022 World Cup winner did not showcase his usual physical peak during Inter Miami’s challenging global tour in 2023, spanning South and Central America, the Middle East, and Asia.
In summary, Messi’s wayward free-kick incident highlights the challenges he and Inter Miami face this season.
Next Read: Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham: A Class Act Despite Controversial Draw
Next Read: Guardiola Declares Phil Foden the Premier League’s Best After City’s Victory