MLS
What is Inter Miami and Lionel Messi’s plan B after cancellation of China mini tour?
The Herons’ planned trip to Asia has been cancelled due to “bureaucratic and commercial issues”. Several players have international matches to play in November.
After failing to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs, Inter Miami were forced to be proactive in an effort to keep playing in November, especially for the benefit of a number of players who will be away on international duty midway through the month. That, of course, includes newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
Why has Inter Miami’s mini tour of China been cancelled?
Several weeks ago, The Herons revealed they were going on a mini tour of China, with friendly matches lined up against lower-division teams. However, there had been some talk in recent days that the club had encountered a number of setbacks while trying to organise said tour.
On Monday, Argentine journalist Gastón Edul of TyC Sports revealed on social media that Inter Miami tour’s of China would be cancelled due to “bureaucratic and commercial issues”, scuppering the Floridians’ hopes of using “Messimania” to expand their presence in a market outside the United States.
The Herons’ plan B
On Tuesday, Edul, known as a reliable source when it comes to all matters Messi and the Argentina national team, reported that Inter already had a plan B in place: Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s team will keep training until midway through November and are on the lookout for at least one friendly game.
When is Messi’s next competitive game for Argentina?
Given Messi had been struggling with an injury during the last few weeks of the MLS regular season, having some time off has benefited the Argentine star. However, he is expected to play for his country against Uruguay (16 November) and Brazil (21 November) and will want to be match sharp for those games.
As a result, David Beckham’s team hope two weeks of training, along with a potential friendly game before the international break, will help ensure Messi and other selected players are in shape for their last competitive games of the year.