Messi dropped to the bench in Vissel Kobe clash

Argentina striker Lionel Messi was once again among the players not included in the starting lineup for Inter Miami's friendly against Japanese side Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Wednesday, following his controversial absence last Sunday in another exhibition match in Hong Kong.

The former FC Barcelona player is among the substitutes on the list provided by the team coached by 'Tata' Martino, who will start other key players such as Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergi Busquets.

Inter Miami were at the National Stadium in Tokyo to play a friendly against Vissel Kobe, where former 'Cule' Andres Iniesta played until last year.

Messi's absence due to physical discomfort in the friendly in Hong Kong - the Argentine star did not play a single minute - the previous game of David Beckham's club's international pre-season tour, caused disappointment and anger among the 38,000 spectators who attended the match.

Messi said on the eve that he had a "good feeling" ahead of the friendly in Tokyo during a pre-match press conference.

"If I'm honest, I still don't know if I'll be able to play or not, but I feel much better and I'm really looking forward to it," added the striker, who explained that he has been bothered by an oedema in his abductor since the first friendly match played in Saudi Arabia as part of the tour.

However, to the delight of the fans in Tokyo, the Qatar World Cup winner was able to play most of the second half after he replaced David Ruiz in the 60th minute.

 

February 7, 2024