Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami appeared to be a marketing dream for all concerned, that was before their pre-season tour of Asia.
After playing just seven minutes in Saudi Arabia and missing a ‘last dance’ with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi failed to feature in Hong Kong with the fallout still rumbling on.
So why has Messi’s no-show caused geo-political tensions to rise and is the GOAT in danger of becoming a show pony in the final stages of his illustrious career?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Paul Tenorio to analyse the episode as well as dissect the wider impact on the growth of MLS.
Produced by Guy Clarke
Additional Production by Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Further reading:
‘A thuggish flamingo’: Why China turned on Lionel Messi - The Athletic
Hong Kong uproar, Messi injured and just one win: Inside Inter Miami’s Asian tour - The Athletic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Weekend Preview: Can Chelsea back-up Spurs win against Man City?
Can Hojlund and Jackson handle their goalscoring burdens?
Have Dortmund moved on from Bellingham?
Were Spurs the real winners against Chelsea?
Do Arsenal need an 'elite' striker?
Weekend Preview: Can Arsenal survive their first big away test?
Saudi World Cup: What does it mean for football?
Why have no Premier League managers been sacked yet?
Are Real Madrid leaving Barcelona behind?
Is the Man United job impossible?
Weekend Preview: Can United upset City in the Manchester derby?
Inside Jadon Sancho's Man United exile
How Szoboszlai has 'transformed' Liverpool's midfield
Is it time to take Tottenham seriously?
Has Unai Emery silenced his critics?
Weekend Preview: Can Liverpool handle another 12.30pm start?
Who succeeds Guardiola at Man City?
Why Bellingham's better off in Spain
Does EA SPORTS need FIFA?
Man United takeover: Will Ratcliffe's proposal change anything?
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Transfer Talk
The Totally Football Show with James Richardson
Football Weekly
Back Pages
On The Continent - A European Football Podcast