Lionel Messi's popularity with MLS fans 'at an all-time low' as discontent grows over Inter Miami superstar's lack of availability

Despite being available for selection, and making the bench for a meeting with Charlotte FC, Messi has sat out the Herons’ last three fixtures in all competitions. Javier Mascherano has put said absence down to load management and reluctance to take any risks on the all-time great’s fitness.

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Fans in the United States are, however, being left disappointed. The Houston Dynamo were forced to offer disgruntled supporters free tickets to upcoming fixtures after seeing Messi miss a trip to Texas. Others have been quick to air their discontent on social media.

A study carried out by BetVictor Canada has revealed that 24 per cent of posts about Messi on the social media platform X in the last month can be considered negative. Just 12 per cent have been positive, which are the lowest marks that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has posted over the course of the last year.

Messi also hit 24 per cent in the negativity stakes in July 2024, after suffering an ankle injury on international duty at the Copa America, but he still posted 18 per cent on the positivity front. A new low has now been hit.

Sam Boswell, a spokesperson for BetVictor Canada, has said: “The past few weeks have not been easy for Lionel Messi but MLS fans aren’t showing any sympathy, taking to social media platform ‘X’ to voice their displeasure at the Inter Miami star’s lack of availability.

“Having missed three consecutive matches, our research has found that 24% of posts about Messi out of the US in the past month have been negative. That’s a sharp increase from the 16% in February, and is the highest share of negative posts about him in the past year.

“His popularity in the States is clearly fading, as just 12% of posts about him in March have been positive, the lowest proportion in the past year. With his popularity with MLS fans at an all-time low, Messi will need to put in some dazzling performances to win them over.”

Inter Miami, who remain unbeaten through six outings in the 2025 campaign, will be back in action on Thursday when facing Jamaican side Cavalier in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup last-16 encounter. It remains to be seen whether Messi will figure in that contest, with a trip to Atlanta United to follow on Sunday.