The superstar arrived in Jamaica, where Minister Olivia "Babsy" Grange ensured he received a warm welcome. However, he prepares for upcoming matches against Uruguay and Brazil
Messi's Playing Time Remains Limited (Photo: Inter Miami)
Argentinian star Leo Messi arrived in Jamaica for the first time on Wednesday night with his Inter Miami teammates ahead of their CONCACAF Champions League round of 16 clash against Cavalier.
Upon arrival at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), Messi was warmly greeted by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who shared on social media: "I was delighted to meet Lionel Messi as he arrived at NMIA with his Inter Miami teammates."
The match, the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16, is set for Thursday, March 13, at the National Stadium in Kingston.
However, Argentinian coach Javier Mascherano has yet to decide whether Messi will start or begin on the bench, though he is more likely to be a substitute.
The 37-year-old has been carefully managing his playing time early in the season to avoid overexertion. After missing the first leg, Messi remained on the bench during Inter Miami’s 1-0 win over Charlotte. He is expected to be in the squad for Sunday night’s MLS fixture against Atlanta.
His limited minutes are also influenced by his commitment to Argentina’s South American World Cup qualifiers, with the Albiceleste set to face Uruguay on Friday, March 21, before hosting Brazil the following Tuesday. As captain, Messi is expected to be included in the squad for both fixtures. With Uruguay and Brazil among Argentina’s fiercest rivals, he wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to represent his country, especially in the highly anticipated home clash against Brazil’s Seleção.
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