Lionel Messi was photographed at his son’s practice in South Florida, all but confirming that he won’t be participating in Inter Miami’s game against Atlanta on Saturday night.
The 36-year-old, who has 11 goals in as many games for Miami over the last two months, was excluded from Argentina’s roster to play Bolivia on Tuesday due to an unidentified fitness issue and will now miss the Herons’ MLS game.
Although it appears that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner won’t be present, at least one Messi was on the field on Saturday.
Messi stayed behind in Miami to watch his son Thiago train after Tata Martino’s team headed to Georgia to play Atlanta.
Thiago, who joined Inter Miami’s Under-12 team last month after following in his father’s footsteps, was in action on Saturday, when Messi switched into dad mode to cheer him on.
The Argentinian was seen sitting on the sidelines sipping his preferred mate tea while sporting a loose t-shirt and rolled-up denim shorts.
The world-famous athlete even appeared to be instructing the players as he waved his free hand in their general direction.
