Explained: Why Lionel Messi & Luis Suarez didn’t play for Inter Miami against Hong Kong XI

The arrival of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi in the Far East caused quite a stir, with fans desperate to catch a glimpse of the all-time great in action. They were also excited by the prospect of watching former Barcelona stars Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Busquets and Alba did step off the bench in Hong Kong, as the Herons claimed a 4-1 win and their first victory of pre-season in 2024, but Messi and Suarez were unused substitutes. Messi only saw seven minutes of action in Inter Miami’s defeat to a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr, after picking up a slight knock, and no gambles are being taken on fitness at this stage.

Inter Miami boss Martino told reporters when asked about the absence of two superstar performers: “We understand the fans’ disappointment in the absence of Messi and Suarez, and we apologise for that, but this was a decision made with our medical staff. If there was a way they could have played even a little while we would have done it, but there was too much risk involved."

Inter Miami are set to face Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Wednesday, before returning to the United States. A final friendly outing on home soil against Argentine outfit Newell’s Old Boys – Messi’s first club – will carry them into a MLS season opener versus Real Salt Lake on February 21.