Lionel Messi is expected to take the field in Inter Miami's friendly match against Vissel Kobe on Wednesday, as the Argentine superstar aims to put aside the public-relations disaster that unfolded during their previous game against a Hong Kong league selection. The decision to keep Messi and teammate Luis Suarez on the bench for the entire match sparked outrage among fans who demanded refunds.
Speaking at a news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday, Messi expressed his desire to play and acknowledged the pressure from local Japanese sponsors, particularly Vissel Kobe, where his former Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta played before departing last year. Dressed in a pink warm-up jacket, Messi displayed humbleness as he addressed the media.
