Lionel Messi: Heartbreak As Inter Miami Star Is Set to Miss Atlanta Trip

• Lionel Messi returned to Miami after playing one game during the international break
• The Argentina captain has not travelled with his teammates to Atlanta
• His absence has sparked a reaction from fans who have bought expensive tickets to see him

Lionel Messi may have unknowingly left thousands of soccer fans heartbroken by the news that he has not travelled to Atlanta with his Inter Miami teammates.

Miami beat Sporting KC 3-2 to win their first game in his absence since July due to the international break and will have to do it again later tonight against Atlanta United.

Tata Martino confirmed Messi's presence in training but claimed a late decision would have to be made on whether he features. ESPN have confirmed he has not travelled with the team.

Fans react to Messi's absence

According to MLS Buzz, the least ticket for the game is $125, while Axios claimed it could go as high as $10,000 worth the home team expecting a sold-out Mercedes Benz Stadium of up to 70,000 fans.

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The absence of the Argentina captain has left fans fuming, with many ruing the first-time opportunity to see him.

@FCBAlbiceleste tweeted:

''Messi bro why are you not traveling with Inter Miami, I have waited all my life for an opportunity to watch you play football, bought expensive tickets, now I hear you might not even come, this ain’t right, ain’t right at all. 🥲😢😰''

While many are reacting to the news of his absence, the former Barcelona star appears to confirm his absence by posting a video of a pizza he ordered on his Instagram story.

@Lionel301 wrote:

''I’m crying thousands of people paid hundreds of dollars to see Messi play and he’s eating a pizza at home in Miami 😭😭''

@TiotalFootball tweeted:

''There are some days where your city is named the national headquarters for soccer BUT ALSO messi stays home instead of travelling to your city to play so that he can eat the worst pizza i've ever seen in a photograph holy god.''

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The last time the two sides met was in the group stage of the Leagues Cup. Messi scored twice in a 4-0 win.

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Sports Brief reported that Messi has a new job with Argentina, which allowed him a space on the bench for the Copa America champions 3-0 win over Bolivia.

FIFA prohibits players not in the matchday squad from being on the bench, but the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was allowed after filling out a form as part of Scaloni's crew.