“I’m not playing there”.
“Lionel Messi will not play on pitches with artificial turf, as some MLS clubs are considering switching to synthetic surfaces,” Sportico reported on April 25. This has prompted some clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS) to consider changing their turf.”
Inter Miami signed the world’s best soccer player, Lionel Messi, on the 16th of this month and immediately followed it up with the signing of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who led FC Barcelona in its heyday, to become the MLS version of Galactico.
David Beckham-owned Miami was founded in 2018 and has been in Major League Soccer (MLS) since 2020. However, this season, they are in last place in the Eastern Conference. They’ve also been in a bit of a slump lately, not winning their last six official games.
The impact of Messi’s signing was immediate. On April 22, Messi made his debut in a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul in the first leg of their League Cup Group J match at DRV PNK Stadium in Miami, USA, where he came on as a substitute in the ninth minute of the second leg, wearing the captain’s armband.
Messi took to the field to the delight of the fans who filled the stadium, but Miami conceded in the 20th minute to Uriel Antuna, leaving the score 1-1.
In a game that looked like it was going to end 1-1, Miami had the “GOAT” Messi. With a free kick opportunity in front of the penalty arc in second-half stoppage time, Miami sent Messi to kick. Messi took a light step and delivered a perfect kick that sailed into the top corner of the net, and the ball left his foot and rattled the net.
Messi’s signing is likely to have a huge impact on the U.S. soccer scene ahead of the World Cup in North and Central America. In fact, Miami has gotten a huge marketing boost since signing Messi.
Messi gave up a huge salary to join Miami. But there was one thing he wasn’t willing to give up. The minimum requirements for his performance. Messi, who is known for his grueling workout regimen, included a stipulation that he would not play on artificial turf.
“Messi has always said that he will not play on artificial surfaces,” says Sportico. “MLS commissioner Don Garber said that there are only six synthetic pitches in the league, and he will change them to accommodate Messi depending on the situation,” Sportico reported.
The six stadiums in MLS with artificial turf are Gillette Stadium for the New England Revolution, Providence Park for the Portland Timbers, Lumen Field for Sounders FC, Bank of America Stadium for Charlotte FC, BC Place for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Atlanta United. 스포츠토토
The cost of replacing the turf is significant, but MLS clubs are doing it anyway for the mesh effect. Even the teams that don’t want to change their turf are reportedly very concerned about Messi not playing at their stadiums.
According to Sportico, “First of all, Atlanta plans to keep their artificial turf even if Messi comes. They want to keep their