MLS side Atlanta United has hatched a brilliant plan to avoid facing Lionel Messi during their upcoming MLS fixture against Inter Miami. Messi, who has been on a fiery form for Inter Miami, is on his well-deserved holidays. He was unavailable for his side during their previous MLS fixture against Sporting KC. However, with the MLS playoffs looming, Messi is again going to miss Inter Miami‘s clash against Atlanta tonight.
The last time Lionel Messi faced Atlanta United was in the Leagues Cup when he bagged a brace. However, the club hailing from Atlanta has devised a unique strategy that has forced Messi to miss the upcoming game. Atlanta is one of the six teams in the MLS who still use artificial turf in their home stadium instead of grass. However, this is a major problem for the Inter Miami skipper.
Lionel Messi recently admitted during a press conference that he isn’t comfortable playing on artificial turfs. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has also urged the MLS teams to replace their artificial turfs with grass, highlighting its detrimental effect on the players’ bodies. Moreover, MLS commissioner Don Garber had also reportedly demanded the clubs replace their artificial turfs while facing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
The Mercedes Benz Stadium where Leo Messi’s Inter Miami will play next vs Atlanta is one of the six MLS grounds with an artificial playing surface.
Will astro turf be an issue for Messi?
“It’s been a while since I’ve played on artificial turf, but I have no problem adapting… pic.twitter.com/RlHOhJjXTe
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) September 15, 2023
It appears, however, as if Atlanta has paid no heed to Garber’s words. Despite Garber’s strict instructions, Atlanta United has remained adamant about playing on artificial turf. Fortunately, their defiance has worked their way as they now have a better shot at winning tonight’s match with Lionel Messi sitting on the sidelines.
Fans react to Lionel Messi’s “cursed” pizza as Inter Miami takes on Atlanta United
While Inter Miami gets ready to take on Atlanta United, Lionel Messi was seen enjoying pizza with his family. The Argentine skipper shared a story on his Instagram where he was seen having a pizza from Banchero Miami. Although Lionel Messi’s pizza has left soccer fans baffled! Messi’s pizza looked very different than the pizza we have all seen and eaten.
That pizza looks hella cursed
— Ballers of Europe (@ballersofeurope) September 16, 2023
Messi’s pizza had a rather generous serving of tomatoes, onions, and olives. The image immediately went viral on the Internet, with fans sharing hilarious reactions. One fan even went to the extent of saying, “That pizza looks hella cursed.” However, some fans also supported Messi’s professionalism as he could be seen abstaining from consuming unhealthy ingredients.
Lionel Messi was spotted coaching his son at Inter Miami academy
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has taken up the coach role while remaining absent for Inter Miami’s MLS clash against Atlanta United. The 36-year-old soccer star was spotted at the Inter Miami academy watching his eldest son Thiago play. His other two sons, Ciro and Mateo, were Accompanying Messi, as their superstar father was pictured shouting instructions at his son.
Leo Messi with Mateo and Ciro at the Inter Miami Academy watching Thiago’s match
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) September 16, 2023
Lionel Messi’s son, Thiago Messi, recently enrolled at the Inter Miami academy, playing in the club’s U-12 team already. Messi’s sons have also previously played at FC Barcelona’s academy along with the children of ex-FC Barcelona star Luis Suarez.