Inter Miami CF manager defended the decision of resting Lionel Messi against Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday at BC Place after facing backlash from fans.
According to ESPN, Miami manager Gerardo Tata Martino told reporters, “We trained yesterday. When we finished, I conferred with the coaching staff and talked with the players, and at that moment, we decided that they would not form part of the team.”
Talking about resting Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, he said, “We understand the people's frustration, especially in wanting to see these players, but it is our job as the coaching staff to make these decisions that are uncomfortable.”
The manager further added, “We understand what these players provoke in the league and other markets, but we have to take these measures that are sometimes unpleasant for people. But they are beneficial for the players.”
Martino explained, “We can't announce with 20 days' notice what our movements will be. We analyzed the situation on Thursday because we have three games in a week, but sometimes unfortunate things happen that don't allow for players to participate in a certain match."
The hosts, Whitecaps, were expecting a record-breaking crown of 50,000 people for the weekend match who got frustrated after learning about the absence of the star Argentinian players. To combat the frustration of the fans hosts, offer 50% off all the food and drinks in-stadium.
MLS also responded with a statement saying it, “Acknowledges fan disappointment when marquee players are unavailable for matches."
MLS assured, “The league will continue to review measures regarding how clubs report player availability."
