MLS club Houston Dynamo have apologised to fans after Lionel Messi was revealed to not be in the Inter Miami squad for Sunday night’s game between the two sides.
The Texas-based team have also promised free tickets to a future match to all who attend this weekend, due to the World Cup winner’s absence.
Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has made the decision to rest the forward due to the their packed schedule.
The Herons have already played three games in 10 days, kicking off the 2025 campaign with a two-legged Concacaf Champions Cup tie against Sporting Kansas City, while they also played New York City FC in their MLS opener.
Messi started in all three of those fixtures, and was involved in an incident with an opposition coach last weekend.
According to multiple outlets, sources have confirmed the Argentine is not injured for Miami’s trip to Houston, and he projected to feature against Jamaican side Cavalier FC in their next Concacaf Champions Cup match on Thursday at Chase Stadium.
In a statement shared online, the Dynamo wrote that they believed Messi would be fit to play against them, based on his name not being listed on Miami’s player status report.
The report, released before matches, is usually where teams will list players that are carrying injuries or who are otherwise out of action.
“The Houston Dynamo are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening,” a statement from the MLS team read.
“The recently shared player status report for the match did not include forward Lionel Messi, but it has been reported he did not make the trip to Houston.
“Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent.
“We look forward to hosting everyone tomorrow for what will be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for the city of Houston.
“To show our appreciation, fans who attend tomorrow night’s match can claim a complimentary ticket to a future Dynamo match this season. Additional details will be provided early next week.”
Houston’s apology and offer continues a trend of MLS teams working to appease their own fans if the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is a no-show for visits to their city.
Last year, Messi sat out Miami’s trip to Vancouver, which the Whitecaps discovered only after their opponents were already on their way.
They issued an apology and offered the record crowd 50 per cent off all food and drink at the game.
The Chicago Fire also gave fans vouchers for future games after an injury Messi picked up in the Copa America final meant he missed the Miami’s trip to Soldier Field last August.
Much of the need to address his absence likely comes from a surge in ticket prices when the soccer legend is expected to play.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Shell Energy Stadium, which can hold about 22,000 fans, is sold out for Sunday night’s match.
Before news of Messi’s absence, the only option for tickets came from resale sites, where single seats were listed for more than $200.
Some even claimed to see sets of two tickets priced around $800 on the resale market on Saturday.
Houston’s statement, shared around 24 hours before the game, was also slammed by many fans.
“I was forced to buy a five-game package to get this game, spending almost triple for the other games what I would spend on the resale market. I need someone to reach out about a refund,” one person said.
“This is why this league will forever be a joke. Apologizing because the OPPOSING team’s player will not play. Have some shame,” another responded.
“In a serious league you’d be happy if the opposition’s best player wasn’t playing,” a third suggested.
“Tell me one player is bigger than a whole sport without telling me one player is bigger than a whole sport,” a fourth person wrote.
Miami visit the Dynamo without Messi, hoping to pick up their first win of the 2025 MLS season.
They drew their first match against New York City 2-2.
