BREAKING NEWS: Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, sidelined due to injury ahead of Al-Nassr match.

Reportedly, Lionel Messi is expected to miss Inter Miami’s pre-season friendly against Al-Nassr today, adding to the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo who is already ruled out. Al-Nassr announced that the 38-year-old striker, Ronaldo, won’t be playing due to a calf injury. The match between Inter Miami and Al-Nassr, dubbed ‘The Last Dance’ in the Middle East, was anticipated as a showdown between Messi and Ronaldo, two iconic soccer rivals. Messi’s potential absence is attributed to discomfort after Inter Miami’s 4-3 loss to Al-Hilal.

While it might disappoint fans globally, resting Messi could be a strategic move for Inter Miami, considering their upcoming pre-season friendlies. The team’s international tour aims to enhance their global presence and showcase Messi to international fans. However, the priority should be Messi’s fitness, even if it means missing promotional opportunities. Protecting Messi’s health is crucial for Inter Miami as they prepare for the new MLS campaign. Even if it disappoints some fans, the team must prioritize Messi’s well-being during this pre-season period.