Lionel Messi 'does not want to play' in Inter Miami's next game as bizarre reason revealed
Argentina legend Lionel Messi reportedly does not want to feature in Inter Miami's next match.
Back in the summer of 2023, Messi turned his back on European football after a stunning career playing for Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner signed for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, who are co-owned by former England and Real Madrid star David Beckham.
Since arriving in Miami, Messi has been joined by former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
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Inter Miami are set to take on Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday night in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The match is set to go ahead despite suggestions that the temperatures will be as low as -15C (5 degrees Fahrenheit).
Ahead of the match, it has been claimed that Messi is not too keen on taking part.
As reported by journalist Franco Panizo, who said: "Sources have told me that Lionel Messi does not want to play in the blistering cold on Tuesday vs Sporting Kansas City.
"Whether he does or not is still to be determined, but there is a chance Messi does not play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup opener."
SPORTbible has contacted Inter Miami for comment.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the temperatures on the night could be as low as -24C (-12 degrees Fahrenheit).
In addition, Messi's teammate Suarez has previously stated that the Argentine is not a fan of playing in the cold.
He said in 2021: "We talk every day, we always try to avoid expectations because we are players and we know how we have to act in those moments, we talk about the games, about the family.
"He told me that he suffers a lot playing in the cold and snow. You have to get used to the cold there for sure."
If Messi does miss the match, it will be a huge blow for Inter Miami as the 37-year-old has had a brilliant campaign, scoring 21 and assisting 11 in 22 matches in the MLS.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Football
Marcus Chan