In a surprising turn of events, Inter Miami has officially canceled their much-anticipated trip to China, which was set to feature two friendly matches. This cancellation, while disappointing for fans and players alike, has been attributed to unforeseen challenges. This article explores the reasons behind this decision, the journey leading up to it, and its potential impact on the club and star player Lionel Messi.
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The Cancellation Announcement
Inter Miami’s official statement regarding the tour’s cancellation pointed to their tour promoter, NSN, informing them of this unexpected turn of events. This revelation underscores the club’s commitment to expanding its global presence and its intent to collaborate with NSN on future endeavors.
Signs of Trouble
The first warning sign indicating that the China tour might be in jeopardy was the change of venue for the match against Qingdao Hainiu. Organizers in China cited a myriad of reasons for this venue change, ultimately resulting in the cancellation of the entire tour.
Anticipation and Challenges
The tour was initially scheduled for November 5th and 8th, sparking immense anticipation among fans. Of particular significance was the potential eighth appearance of Lionel Messi in China, the World Cup champion for Argentina and now an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, having just received the prestigious award earlier in the week.
The promise of a crowd exceeding 100,000 spectators added to the excitement surrounding the tour. However, logistical challenges began to surface, including a troublesome ticket launch in China and unsettling reports hinting at the possible cancellation of one of the matches. This tour was meant to mark Inter Miami’s first international venture and potentially serve as a warm-up for Messi’s participation in two World Cup qualifying matches for Argentina later in the month.
Messi’s Return and Future Plans
Shortly after securing his eighth Ballon d’Or award, Lionel Messi returned to the United States and joined the Inter Miami team for a training session. With the team not having qualified for the Major League Soccer playoffs, no official matches were on the horizon. However, the continuation of training sessions suggests the possibility of playing exhibition matches in the weeks to come.
While the club has not yet revealed any formalized plans for future international tours, the substantial global popularity of Messi hints at potential ventures in the future. It’s worth noting that Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami for the 2024 and 2025 MLS seasons, with an annual earning of between $50 million and $60 million.
Messi’s Connection to China
Lionel Messi’s ties to China go beyond his association with Inter Miami. He had recently played in China in June, shortly after his sensational signing with the club. His visit included a remarkable feat, scoring a goal barely one minute into a match for Argentina against Australia in Beijing on June 15. Additionally, Messi has a history of success in China, winning Olympic gold at the Beijing Games in 2008. His massive following in Asia, coupled with numerous endorsement deals in the region, makes him a significant asset for the club’s global expansion strategy.
Messi’s Availability for Argentina Games
One potential silver lining arising from the tour’s cancellation is the relief it offers to Lionel Messi. The decision spares him from extensive travel, allowing him to allocate more time to playing minutes before crucial matches with the Argentina national team during the upcoming FIFA window. Argentina is poised to host Uruguay and embark on a visit to Brazil for the next two rounds of CONMEBOL qualifiers, crucial fixtures on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Inter Miami’s decision to cancel the highly-anticipated China tour has undoubtedly disappointed fans and raised questions about the club’s international aspirations. While supporters were eagerly anticipating seeing Messi in action in China, logistical challenges and the subsequent cancellation have prompted the club to reevaluate its future plans. On the bright side, this change in schedule offers Messi valuable preparation time for his national team duties, ensuring he is in prime form for Argentina’s important matches on the journey to the 2026 World Cup. The world will continue to watch as Inter Miami and Messi navigate their path forward, both domestically and internationally.
