‘Lionel Missing’! Frustrated fans alter Messi shirts after seeing Inter Miami superstar ruled out of MLS clash with Vancouver Whitecaps that shifted 50,000 tickets

Frustrated fans in Canada have taken to altering Messi shirts to “Lionel Missing” after seeing the Inter Miami superstar sit out a trip to Vancouver.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The Whitecaps shifted over 50,000 tickets for an eagerly-anticipated encounter that was expected to see eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi take to the field. He was, however, to play no part in a 2-1 win for the Herons.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
That is because he was left back in Florida, alongside fellow former Barcelona stars Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. Inter Miami are having to manage his workload carefully, as the Argentine prepares to turn 37, but his absence from any fixture hits supporters and promoters hard.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Vancouver natives were clearly disappointed at missing out on the chance to watch the all-time great in action, with a number of Inter Miami jerseys being tweaked to hammer home the fact that Messi was “missing”.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
It is not the first time that Messi’s absence has caused controversy – as a political storm was sparked in Hong Kong during pre-season – and will not be the last, as he remains tied to a contract through 2025. He is, however, expected to be back in action on Wednesday when Inter Miami play host to Atlanta United.

WHAT HAPPENED?