Stay away! Lionel Messi and Inter Miami urged to 'stand in solidarity' by hotel workers and not visit ahead of LAFC clash

The Florida-based outfit will be visiting the City of Angels on Sunday for their latest MLS fixture. They will head to California looking to preserve a 10-game unbeaten run with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi in their ranks.

Inter Miami desperately need the points in a late bid to book a play-off place and could do without any distractions. They have, however, been asked to “stay out” of certain establishments in LA. Employees at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica have been on strike since Wednesday – joining thousands of workers from across the region on the picket line as they protest against soaring housing costs and plead for better wages.

Messi and Co have been called upon to join that fight, with a statement from Unite Here Local 11 saying: "We have learned that Inter Miami and the great Lionel Messi are coming to Los Angeles this week for a match against LAFC on Sunday. As housekeepers, cooks, bellmen and servers, we ask Lionel Messi and his team mates to stand in solidarity with us and stay out of the Fairmont Miramar."

Messi will be a star attraction in Los Angeles this weekend, with his efforts on the field generating plenty of interest. Tickets for Inter Miami’s latest game – as fans clamour to catch a glimpse of all-time great Messi in action – are now going for between $834 and $17,000.