The Vancouver Whitecaps are making it up to their fans by offering free tickets for a future match following the disappointment of Lionel Messi not turning up last Saturday.
Inter Miami made the trip to Vancouver and secured a 2-1 victory over the Whitecaps with goals from Robert Taylor and Leonardo Campana. However, Tata Martino's squad was missing some key players - Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets were all absent. Jordi Alba did make an appearance though.
The reason given for the no-shows was a packed fixture list and Martino's desire to give the ageing stars, all 35 or older, a rest. This move didn't sit well with the Whitecaps supporters.
Fans were livid at the prospect of missing out on watching the World Cup champion play, and there were even whispers of protests before the game started. While the protests didn't materialise, chants of 'Where is Messi?' echoed around BC Place.
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Ticket prices had initially skyrocketed with the expectation that Messi would be playing, but they plummeted when it was confirmed he wouldn't be attending. As a result, The Province reports that the Whitecaps will offer a complimentary ticket for another game this season, with details to be sent via email soon. Additionally, there will be a 50 percent discount on food and drinks, and kids under 18 will receive a free meal.
Post-match, Martino expressed that he felt no need to apologise for the absences but did so regardless, commenting: "Obviously it is very important for us because of the absences we had."
"The expectation that people have. I really don't think I have to apologize, but in some ways, we are very sorry for not being able to travel with our stars. There is a question, we have or have come without our great players. Leo, Luis, Busi, Diego Gomez and still we have competed very well."
Vancouver Whitecaps fans hoping to see Lionel Messi (Getty Images)"Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent, and it was important for us to communicate to our fans as soon as possible. We always want our best players going up against our opponent's best players, and facing players of the highest pedigree was especially exciting for our team. We know that there will also be a lot of disappointed fans."
"We remain committed to making this a special experience for everyone. It is still going to be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for our city. We have amazing fans, we have a good team, and Saturday's match is a very important home game for us."
Messi and Suarez instead spent the evening in Florida at their home Chase Stadium. The pair were supporting the Youth International Cup, speaking at the opening ceremony.
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