The Houston Dynamo have announced they will offer a complimentary ticket to a future home game for all fans who attended Sunday’s Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Inter Miami, following Lionel Messi’s absence from the visiting squad. The club acknowledged that they have “no control over who plays for our opponent” but recognized the disappointment caused by Messi not traveling to Houston.
Messi’s non-participation in matches has previously led to compensation for ticket holders. Last year, organizers of a match in Hong Kong offered a 50% refund after Messi was unable to play due to injury. Similarly, in August, the Chicago Fire announced a credit guarantee for tickets and season passes if Messi did not play in their home game against Inter Miami.
— Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) March 2, 2025
The Dynamo’s statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, read: “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. 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.”
Messi, 37, played in Inter Miami’s midweek CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Sporting Kansas City, scoring in a 3-1 victory. He was also recently fined an undisclosed amount by MLS for an altercation with a member of New York City FC’s coaching staff following a 2-2 draw earlier this month. The Dynamo’s offer highlights the significant impact of Messi’s presence, or absence, on fan expectations and attendance in MLS.
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