INTER MIAMI
Inter Miami and Lionel Messi’s China tour beset by more problems
The Herons have been forced to change venue for their first scheduled match and are expected to announce that their second game has been cancelled.
Inter Miami’s off-season plans have been hit by real uncertainty after a venue change and rumours of a cancellation for the second of their scheduled fixtures.
After failing to make the playoffs Miami and Lionel Messi were scheduled to embark on a mini tour of China next month, playing two matches in the nation. It was supposed to be a marketing boon for the club but the tour has been beset by issues.
The first scheduled game, against Qingdao Hainiu FC on November 5, has been moved to a new stadium, annoying many fans who bought tickets for the original stadium. The game will now be played at Wuyuan River Stadium, Haikou.
The problems do not stop there. Local reports have suggested that the second game against Qingdao Hainiu will be cancelled, although no specific reason was given and no official statement has been released by Inter Miami.
Inter Miami are understandably eager to make use of the huge surge in interest, fuelled by the arrival of Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. However the uncertainty surrounding the details of the club’s first-ever international tour is not the best start for this new era for Miami.
Will Lionel Messi be fit to play in Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers?
Messi’s fitness has been a major talking point in recent weeks after the Argentine missed four games for Inter Miami at a crucial point of the season. In his absence Miami dropped points and their slim chances of making it to the playoffs were extinguished.
Now that Inter Miami’s competitive season is over, the China tour could have served to keep Messi and the team’s other internationals in match condition ahead of the November international break.
Argentina have two tough fixtures against Uruguay and Brazil next month as they continue their qualifying journey for the 2026 World Cup.
Miami have endured a hectic few months, making it to the final of both the US Open Cup and the Leagues Cup in addition to their regular season fixtures. A two-game China tour could be a useful way for Messi to maintain his fitness without risking further injury.