'Very sorry' - Tata Martino speaks out after Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets miss Inter Miami clash with Vancouver Whitecaps

The 61-year-old head coach opted to leave his trio of stars in Florida and was met with a backlash after announcing his decision before the match had eve nbeen played. Despite Inter Miami beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1, Martino has since apologised after the crowd could be heard chanting "where is Messi?"

Speaking after the match in Canada, Martino said: "Obviously it is very important for us because of the absences we had. The expectation that people have. I really don't think I have to apologize, but in some ways we are very sorry for not being able to travel with our stars. There is a question, we have or have come without our great players. Leo, Luis, Busi, Diego Gómez and still we have competed very well."

Unfortunately for Inter Miami and MLS fans, they are going to have to get used to not seeing their favourite players turn out for the club in the next few months. The Copa America is due to start at the end of June and the league will not pause during the tournament, meaning the likes of Messi and Suarez will miss several games to represent their countries.

Martino and Miami return home on 30 May for a match against Atalanta United. After this, they host St. Louis City SC before travelling to Philadelphia Union. The team currently sit top of the Eastern Conference and have lost only twice so far this season.