LIONEL MESSI is set to be benched for Inter Miami’s MLS opener against New York Bulls, despite tickets selling for nearly £20,000.
After a remarkable first month in the US, the Argentine legend was lined up to make his Major League Soccer debut this Saturday at the Red Bull Arena.
The Inter Miami captain has so far scored 10 goals for the team and led his side to victory winning the Leagues Cup last Saturday against Nashville SC.
But he has yet to showcase his talent in the MLS.
Fans assumed the World Cup champion would be starting in Inter Miami’s MLS opener- causing a frenzy on ticket resale sites.
Some fans are flogging their seat at the game for up to $23,528 (£18,624).
But Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has said the ex-Barcelona star has reached a “physical limit”, hinting Messi may not start Saturday and needs some well-deserved rest.
Martino said after Wednesday’s win over Cincinnati: “Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit and from today we will start to evaluate this.”
Since his debut on July 21, the 36-year-old has played eight matches in 33 days – accumulating nearly 750 minutes of football.
The ex-Mexico boss added: “You also have to take into account the large number of games that we played in 45, 50 days.”
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Messi has started every game for Inter Miami besides coming on as a second-half sub for his Leagues Cup debut against Cruz Azul on July 21st.
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The Inter Miami captain was expected to make his MLS debut against Charlotte FC on August 20th.
But the match was postponed due to both teams’ Leagues Cup commitments.
That saw Saturday’s tickets for the match in New York skyrocket on resale websites.
On Monday – almost a week out from matchday – the lowest-priced ticket (including all fees) on the website Gametime costs a staggering $610.
The top-priced seats were being flogged for $17,554 a piece- once nearly $6,000 worth of taxes are added on, the total cost is $23,528.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
