![Feb 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, [USA]; USA forward Ally Sentnor (9) celebrates her goal with teammates against Colombia in the second half at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images](https://deportesnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25467949-360x180.jpg)
Soccer Tejas
Soccer fans in Houston will have to wait to see Lionel Messi in MLS play – if ever.
The global superstar was expected to visit the Bayou City when the Houston Dynamo hosts Inter Miami CF on Apple TV’s Sunday Night Soccer. As the Florida club made its way to Texas, breaking news about one key absence on the team flight.
Michelle Kaufman of The Miami Herald was first to report the news, citing “a coach’s decision to rest him due to the congested team schedule.” ESPN and Deporte Total USA, outlets that also have local reporters covering the team, offered their own confirmations.
The Houston Dynamo delivered the following statement in response:
The Houston Dynamo are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening. The recently shared player status report for the match did not include forward Lionel Messi, but it has been reported he did not make the trip to Houston. Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent.
We look forward to hosting everyone tomorrow for what will be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for the city of Houston. To show our appreciation, fans who attend tomorrow night’s match can claim a complimentary ticket to a future Dynamo match this season. Additional details will be provided early next week.
Of course, fans who paid the upwards of $200 get-in price prior to the news, also expressed their disappointment. The following are just some responses:
This is why this league will forever be a joke man. Apologizing bc the OPPOSING teams player will not play. Have some shame lmao
— 💤 (@WinTheDays) March 2, 2025
Damn if you have to make a post like this that only means you charged people an exorbitant amount of money just to see him play lol
— Erik (@HOUsGhost) March 2, 2025
He should be ashamed of himself. Show up to work when people are expecting you. Especially kids. This is my family’s second time being disappointed by his antics, so it’s beginning to feel like this is just his M.O.
— Courtney Okanlomo Real Estate Broker (@CourtOkanlomo) March 2, 2025
HOUSTON PATRIOTS! Flights to Broward County airport are cheap, they can’t stop all of you!
— 010: Licensed To Post (@TomTPostingDos) March 2, 2025
No club in USA would jack up prices 5X for one game. Season ticket holder since 2005. Have 4 Jameson club seats @$16,800. Bought 6 more for family at “presale” for IM at 5X regular price. DONE- not renewing. Such a scam.
— Blake Randolph (@BlakeBrandolph) March 2, 2025
maybe instead of apologizing to your fans for not having star power from another team, HIRE A BLOODY STAR PLAYER
— D. Kravinov (@GetKraven) March 2, 2025
They’re apologizing because a $20 ticket skyrocketed to $200 for a player, who’s now not showing up. Guess they saw a chance to cash in and it backfired. Nice job going out of your way to rip off your fans.
— Cosmic_ (@mcfc_m3) March 2, 2025
They have to apologize because they set the initial price of the tickets 2 to 4 times more than they usually were. Of course the resale tix were even worse but still. Little to no consideration on their part for the long time Houston fans. They were betting on casuals as usual
— Chepito🤠⚽ (@chepito2k10) March 2, 2025
