Inter Miami fans were left disappointed when Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets were absent from the starting lineup for the MLS clash against Montreal. Despite initial injury reports, Messi's absence was attributed to rest ahead of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 second leg against Nashville.

According to coach Tata Martino, the decision to rest Messi was planned, emphasizing the importance of managing player fatigue. Despite the absence of key players, Inter Miami continues to lead the league, showcasing their resilience and depth.Meanwhile,

Alexi Lalas labeled Inter Miami as the new villains of Major League Soccer, highlighting the polarizing effect of their success. Lalas suggests that being perceived as a SuperClu invites both support and opposition, a testament to Inter Miami's growing prominence in the league.

In other news, Messi the dog made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Oscars, defying earlier reports of his absence. Host Jimmy Kimmel's jest about Messi's potential role in a film led to the dog's cameo, showcasing his growing popularity in Hollywood.