مدير عام كرة القدم
- Banned for missing All-Star Game
- Herons drew a blank in his absence
- Leagues Cup next on the agenda
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi was restricted to a watching brief as the Herons took to the field for their latest fixture. He, alongside Jordi Alba, was forced to serve a one-match suspension.
Messi was sanctioned for missing the 2025 All-Star Game, having been voted into that side, with the decision made to not take any risks on his fitness after a gruelling run of games that included competitive action at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Inter Miami drew a blank without Messi, who has picked up a useful habit of bagging braces over recent weeks, with the Argentine GOAT taking up a seat in the crowd alongside new recruit and fellow كأس العالم winner Rodrigo De Paul.
While Messi did not get to kick a ball in anger, he still attracted plenty of attention. He was seen sporting an ultra-rare Rolex Daytona 126538TRO “Barbie” watch in 18k yellow gold, set with pink sapphires and a matching pink dial.
The luxurious timepiece ties in nicely to the home colours of Inter Miami. The watch is said to be “one of the most elusive and vibrant gem-set models Rolex has ever produced” and comes with a $900,000 market price as it cannot be ordered out of a catalogue.
Having served his time as a cheerleader, Messi will be back in action for Inter Miami on Wednesday when the Herons open their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign against Mexican outfit Atlas.
