‘Everywhere else, rival fans would be relieved!’ - Lionel Messi’s absence for Inter Miami in devastating defeat to Chicago Fire explained by Tata Martino

The Argentine superstar sat out a fourth consecutive game on Wednesday evening, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner having picked up an unfortunate injury during the last round of international fixtures in September. With Messi stuck on the sidelines, Inter Miami’s MLS play-off hopes are beginning to fade.

They suffered a 4-1 defeat at Soldier Field in Chicago in front of a sell-out crowd, with Martino telling reporters afterwards of why the biggest show in town did not make an appearance: “I understand the expectations of the fans, but we can’t bring him if he is not healthy enough to play. These are the things only we must live with. I find it very strange that a coach has to explain to the rival fans why the best player in the world can’t play. It’s only because it’s him and we’re in the United States. Everywhere else, rival fans would be relieved that the best player in the world was not there.”

Inter Miami are crying out for inspiration at a crucial stage of the season, with Messi’s enforced absence coming at the worst possible time for them. Martino added: “I am disappointed because our team has declined in the past 15 days, and now we must win three games and rely on what the rivals do.” Another former Barcelona star, Jordi Alba, also was missing for the third game in a row.

Messi did inspire Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory within weeks of his arrival in the United States, but he missed the U.S. Open Cup final and may now fall short in a bid to make the MLS play-offs. Miami remain five points adrift of a place in the post-season with just three fixtures left to take in.