Lionel Messi’s absence disappointed fans as he missed the much-anticipated match between the hometown Whitecaps and Inter Miami at B.C. Place in Vancouver. Despite Messi’s absence, the crowd set an all-time attendance record, with over 51,000 fans packing the stadium. Inter Miami cited Major League Soccer’s grueling travel schedule for the absence of Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. As Jeff Semple reports, fans unhappy with this explanation called for compensation and chanted, “Where is Messi?”
- ‘Outrageous’: More than 1,300 Whitecaps fans sign petition demanding refund for Messi no-show game
- No Messi, no problem: Inter Miami downs slumping Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1