Messi Returns with Fire After Controversial MLS Ban, Leads Miami to Leagues Cup Win

A few days have passed since the ban imposed by the authorities of Major League Soccer (MLS). Lionel Messi is back on the field. But the fire of anger inside him is still not extinguished. He seems to be unable to accept the fact of being banned for one match. It was also reflected in Messi’s reaction after the dramatic victory in the Leagues Cup.

Messi and his club teammate Jordi Alba were suspended for one match for not playing for the Major League Soccer All-Star team. According to long-standing MLS rules, no one can withdraw from a match without prior permission from the league authorities unless injured. As a result of the suspension, Messi and Alba were unable to play in the match against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday. The match was drawn by Miami.

After the suspension decision, Jorge Mas, one of the owners of Miami, said that Messi was very angry about the incident. He said that neither Messi nor Alba could understand why they would be banned from competitive matches for not playing in an exhibition match. Both returned to the field on Thursday morning Bangladesh time with a Leagues Cup match. Miami defeated Mexican club Atlas FC 2-1 in a dramatic match.

Although they didn’t score in the match, both of Miami’s goals came from Messi’s passes. After the match, he said that he struggled to adapt today because he couldn’t play in the previous match, especially in the first half. Messi said, “They didn’t let me play that day and I felt that lack in the first half today. But the most important thing is that in the end we won.”

The Inter Miami captain added, “The truth is, this summer I have a hard time. Especially not being able to play in the previous match. Although rest feels good, for me it is the worst. For me it is important to fight. The more matches I play, the better I feel and the more in rhythm I am.”

Miami has made a good start to the new season of the Leagues Cup with this match. The tournament, which has been held since 2019, will start again in a big way in 2023. Miami is the champion of the season. This time the format of the tournament has changed even more. All 18 teams of the Mexican League and the best 18 teams of Major League Soccer, a total of 36 teams, are competing in this tournament.

Praising the tournament, Messi said, “It is a great tournament for us, where we always fight. Playing against Mexican teams is also a difficult test for us. The format has changed, so we can enjoy and play. It is a great competition and this victory is of great importance.”