Lionel Messi has priorities

The player with the most titles in the history of football has a name and surname. His name is Lionel Messi, and he plays for Inter Miami.

For some, Messi’s arrival in the MLS practically meant his retirement from professional football. The drop in quality is evident, and beyond winning the Leagues Cup upon his arrival, the Argentine star’s participation with the North American team has become increasingly conditional.

It’s no secret that Messi moved away from Europe in search of tranquility and comfort. Life is good in Miami, the weather is pleasant most of the year, and the team he plays for is already filled with his best friends. What more could he ask for?

It’s no secret that years don’t pass in vain, and the Inter’s number 10 is about to turn 37 this summer. (Yes, believe it or not, Messi is human, and age begins to be a factor)

The management of the Florida team was evidently aware of this situation. However, the increasing number of injuries and absences in important matches is starting to alarm the executives because this not only impacts poor results but also affects ticket sales.

For the latest match against Rayados, the marketing strategy was a success. Messi had been inactive for 15 days, and the chances of him not participating were high. That’s why ticket sales were not meeting expectations, and the ticket prices were decreasing every day according to the law of supply and demand.

What did Tata Martino do? He included Messi in the final practice when all the media were present, and in the press conference, he left the door open for possible participation. What a surprise (and disappointment) hundreds of fans must have experienced, as they were only going to see the Argentine.

Even in Miami, there’s a strange phenomenon that very few footballers can provoke. Regardless of the score or the minute, when Messi is substituted, many fans also leave the stadium. In the end, what’s the point of staying there if the only reason you bought a ticket is no longer on the field?

Well, what’s the title of this blog about?

Once again, Messi wasn’t present on the field, and this makes it 13 games missed due to various physical discomforts. The Copa América starts in just over two months, and it’s no secret that this tournament is one of the Argentine’s priorities.

Nowadays, having won absolutely everything, Messi is at a stage in his career where he can practically decide when to participate and when not to. Obviously, if there’s something the number 10 enjoys, it’s playing, and I don’t think there will be a day when he wakes up wanting not to play and simply requests not to be lined up. This comment is directed towards his priorities and objectives, and today, the MLS and Concacaf don’t seem to be ahead of the Argentine National Team on his wish list.

It’s true, the Champions Cup gives you a ticket to the next Club World Cup, but FIFA has a secret plan to ensure that Messi doesn’t miss the opportunity to participate in the intercontinental tournament. Of the 32 tickets for this tournament, there is an exclusive spot for a club belonging to the host league, in this case, the MLS. With that said, it seems that this spot is more than guaranteed for the Florida team (in case they don’t win the Champions Cup).

In conclusion, Messi’s only concern today is to arrive in good physical condition for the Copa América, and if this involves prioritizing rest and limited activity with the Miami club, I’m sure he will do it.

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