After ending his season by winning the Ballon d’Or award, Lionel Messi will now enjoy some unexpected time off, with his return to Inter Miami uncertain.
His MLS season ended earlier this month as Miami Inter Inter missed the playoffs and the team's scheduled pre-season tour of China has now been postponed due to “bureaucratic and commercial issues”. For Messi and some of his teammates, the news is disappointing, but it also gives them more time to rest with the International FIFA break on the horizon.
In their trip overseas, Inter Miami were scheduled to play friendlies on November 5 and November 8 but Messi will now be in peak form for Argentina during their World Cup qualifying campaign as they take on Uruguay and Brazil.
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Unfortunately for Messi, his return to Miami is now in question. He missed five games this season due to injury and there is uncertainty as to how the club wants to build for next season. The team was off to a slow start before acquiring stars like Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
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Despite an offseason full of question marks, Messi took the time at the end of the season to thank the fans. He said, “ Proud of all the team accomplished this season, With the work and effort of everyone, we were able to win the @leaguescup clinching the first title in @opencup history, we made it to the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. MLS and were even fighting to get into the play-offs until the very last moment.
Lionel Messi wins his eighth Ballon d'Or ((Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images))"We stayed with all the good things and above all the desire to improve to be even more competitive next year. I would like to thank all the people of the club and the city of Miami for the support they always give us. I’m sure we’ll continue to have amazing moments together as we have the past few months."
Inter Miami will likely begin its preseason just before the MLS does. In the past, the club has played other MLS clubs and clubs in other divisions. Last season, their preseason slate included games against Vasco da Gama, Florida International University and four MLS teams.
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The tour's cancelation comes after a disappointing end to the season for Messi after the Herons collapsed while he missed five games due to injury; Messi still has plenty to celebrate. He made history by becoming the first active player in North America to win the Ballon d'Or award.
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