Lionel Messi no-show sparks free ticket giveaway from MLS rivals – with Inter Miami superstar being rested after just three competitive appearances in 2025

Houston Dynamo had seen a spike in ticket sales for their MLS clash against Messi's Inter Miami at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday. However, Herons boss Javier Mascherano has now left the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner off his squad list for the clash in Texas - much to the dismay of fans who were looking forward to watching the Argentine in action.

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Houston Dynamo have now announced in an official statement that they will offer free tickets to fans that purchased tickets for the Inter Miami clash, in a bid to compensate those who will miss out on watching Messi play. Fans will be able to secure a complimentary ticket for any Dynamo game during the rest of the season.

On Saturday evening, Dynamo released a statement which read: "The Houston Dynamo are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening. The recently shared player status report for the match did not include forward Lionel Messi, but it has been reported he did not make the trip to Houston. Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent.

"We look forward to hosting everyone tomorrow for what will be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for the city of Houston. To show our appreciation, fans who attend tomorrow night’s match can claim a complimentary ticket to a future Dynamo match this season. Additional details will be provided early next week."

Messi has only played three competitive clashes this calendar year as the 37-year-old looks to stay fit for the season. It is likely that he will return to action later this week for Mascherano's side when Inter Miami take on Jamaican side Cavalier on Thursday, March 6, in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.