HOUSTON DYNAMO are giving their fans free tickets – after Lionel Messi wasn’t selected to play against them.
The MLS side welcomed Inter Miami to Texas for an early-season fixture on Sunday night.
ReutersLionel Messi didn’t play in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over Houston Dynamo[/caption]
GettyHouston fans have been offered a refund because the Argentinian star was not involved[/caption]
GettyDespite no Messi, Miami cruised to a comfortable victory[/caption]
Messi, 37, was left out of the Inter starting XI by boss Javier Mascherano.
The Argentinian legend didn’t travel with the squad and was rested following a packed schedule to begin the new season.
That decision came as a huge disappointment to the thousands who packed out the Shell Energy Stadium.
Ahead of the game, Houston took the unusual step of offering free tickets to all home fans after it was revealed Messi would not feature.
The club wrote on X: “The Houston Dynamo are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening.
“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.
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“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.”
One grateful fan responded: “Disappointing children (my nephews included). But it teaches them a lesson. Team before individuals.”
Another said: “Why were tickets so expensive? Y’all could have sold out the stadium and made more money.”
But a third countered: “This parody? You’re apologizing for someone in the opposing team not showing up?”
And a fourth added: “Is the @MLS completely dependent on Messi? If so, it’s not a serious league.”
While a fifth joked: “Messi ducking the Houston test? Could never be my GOAT.
Mascherano made the decision to rest his fellow Argentine after Miami’s busy start to the new campaign.
The reigning Eastern Conference winners have played three times over the past 10 days.
Mascerano explained: “Leo is fine, he is normal and he will train normally like all his teammates.”
The World Cup winner is expected to feature this weekend as Miami host Charlotte.
Despite not having the 37-year-old in the lineup, Mascerano’s side breezed past a tepid Dynamo on Sunday night.
They led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende.
And they eventually ran out 4-1 winners, with Luis Suarez completing the rout in the second half.
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