LIONEL MESSI is reportedly planning to sit out Inter Miami’s clash with Sporting Kansas City – because it’s too COLD.
Miami are preparing to face Sporting KC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup opener on Tuesday night.
Messi joined Miami in July 2023 on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 37-year-old has since gone on to score 33 goals in 39 games for the MLS side.
But the upcoming showdown at Children’s Mercy Park has reportedly left the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner with cold feet.
Temperates are expected to plunge to an outrageous -24 degrees Celcius (-12 Fahrenheit) for Tuesday’s game.
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According to insider Franco Panizo, Messi is not keen on playing in the “blistering cold.”
Panizo added: “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.”
Should the forecasted temperatures come to fruition, it would be the coldest football match on US soil since Colorado Rapids and Portland Timbers played back in 2019.
On that occasion, a big freeze saw the game played out in -7 Celsius temps.
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As well as falling temperatures, there is predicted snowfall of between 9 and 11 inches on Tuesday in Kansas City.
Both teams have been in contact with CONCACAF officials and are monitoring the weather, per the Miami Herald.
The game could potentially be postponed if heavy snowfall mixes with an ice-cold wind chill.
Sporting KC president Jake Reid said: “Cold is one thing – we’ll see what the snow does.
“We’ll be ready. Our concern is around safe access for fans to and from and clearing the parking lots and walking ways.
“The cold is what it is. Bundle up. Bring your blankets, bring your hats.
“No one should be surprised when they come out that it’s freezing cold.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
