Lionel Messi fans were caught off guard by the Argentine star when he was benched at the start of the inter Miami’s 2-2 match with Atlanta United.
In this match, Messi who only recently returned from an ankle injury was introduced in the second half to start from the bench. He was assisted by the words of assistant coach Javier Morales who said that the team is taking precautions due to Messi’s inactivity for three months because of the injury and international duties which included the Copa America final match.
Messi had returned strongly in the 3-1 Miami victory against the Philadelphia Union having netted two goals and setting up another. But Morales stressed that his fitness has to be managed particularly with three matches in a week and some players suspend. And Morales claimed that: “We had to balance the team”. Tata Martino and the coaching staff believed that that was the right thing to do and I think it paid off.
This was the reason fans cheered loudly hoping that their favorite star Messi who was on the bench would come and redeem his team. Morales, said further on, “Messi always turns up smart and well dressed, tonight was not an exception, had good opportunities to score a goal and was concise. ”
Even though they scored twice through David Ruiz and Leonardo Campana Miami could not sustain the result and had to end in a draw. Nonetheless, Messi came onto the pitch and he gave Miami’s MLS Cup dreams a lifeline as he showcased a wonderful performance.
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