Tata Martino says there was “too much гιꜱk involved” for Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to line up for Inter Miami against a Hong Kong Select XI.

The presence of the eight-time Ballon d’Or awardee Messi in the Far East generated significant excitement, as fans eagerly anticipated witnessing the legendary player in action. Additionally, there was enthusiasm surrounding the opportunity to see former Barcelona stars Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba on the field.

Busquets and Alba did make appearances in Hong Kong as the Herons secured a 4-1 victory, marking their initial pre-season triumph in 2024. However, Messi and Suarez remained on the bench as unused substitutes. Messi, who had a minor ιnjᴜry, only participated for seven minutes in Inter Miami’s match against Al-Nassr without Cristiano Ronaldo. At this point, no гιꜱks are being taken regarding player fitness.

Inter Miami boss Martino told reporters when asked about the absence of two superstar performers: “We understand the fans’ disappointment in the absence of Messi and Suarez, and we apologise for that, but this was a decision made with our medical staff. If there was a way they could have played even a little while we would have done it, but there was too much гιꜱk involved.”