The Vancouver Whitecaps notified fans on Thursday that superstar Lionel Messi is unlikely to play when Inter Miami visits Vancouver on Saturday.

Miami has made no statements regarding Messi’s availability or those of his teammates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets. However, the Whitecaps stated that they understood the trio would not accompany the club on its first visit to Vancouver since signing Messi last year.

More than 50,000 people had been expected to attend the match.

The 36-year-old Argentine star has 10 goals in 10 Major League Soccer games this season and leads the league in assists with 12. Miami leads MLS’ Eastern Conference standings and Vancouver is seventh in the West.

Whitecaps CEO Axel Schuster said the team knows there will be a lot of disappointed fans, but the club “remains committed to making this a special experience for everyone.”

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi arrives for an MLS soccer match against D.C. United, Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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