Supporter Discontent Grows for Inter Miami
The early excitement between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and its dedicated fans seems to be fading.
During a recent match where Inter Miami triumphed 2-0 against Nashville SC, the major supporter section remained quiet for a significant 84 minutes. La Familia, the supporters group, was protesting what they viewed as a lack of respect from the team.
Instead of the usual lively atmosphere, the match was marked by an unsettling silence, with no drums or cheers filling the air.
However, in the 85th minute, the fans finally voiced their concerns, shouting in Spanish, “Players, respect the fans and acknowledge your teammates who have asked nothing of you!”
A video circulating online captured Messi seemingly glaring at the supporters’ section and even gesturing back at them during their outcry.
Reportedly, the root of the fans’ frustration stemmed from the players not adhering to a common soccer tradition: applauding the fans post-match.
In the last four games, Inter Miami players have notably neglected this gesture. Even after Sunday’s win, only a handful of players approached the fans to show their appreciation.
Prominent players such as Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo de Paul walked off the field directly into the locker room without acknowledging the supporters.
Messi chose not to comment on the incident following the game.
His infrequent communication with the media has raised eyebrows lately.
He remarked, “Inter Miami is a huge club because of the players who have been champions and won a lot. People also performed that well, but I don’t have an opinion on that,” as reported.
Bertelame, a key player in the victory, expressed that while the protests caught him off guard, he understood the fans’ perspective. He stated, “They have a point, because they deserve us to recognize them. The important thing is that we remain united on the same side. Like today, we have won after a lot. It brings happiness to them as well.”
Notably, Sunday marked Inter Miami’s first victory at their newly opened home, New Stadium, which welcomed fans last month.
