Messi’s absence disappointed fans near and far

Lionel Messi may be among the world’s biggest sports superstars, but he lost some fans after his no-show at a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sept. 16. More than 70,000 fans showed up to see the match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United. While Atlanta has a dedicated fan base, it’s fair to say that more than half of them were there to see Messi, as evidenced by the thousands of pink jerseys with Messi’s name across the back, many worn by children.

Those children, including my 12-year-old son, were let down by Messi and the management of Inter Miami. Messi, the purported team captain, didn’t even travel with the team. He was reportedly seen at his child’s soccer game in Miami that day.

What was the reason Messi skipped this game, where many thousands of his fans paid good money to see him?

It’s a mystery, but the official excuse, when his coach wasn’t avoiding the question altogether, was “muscle fatigue,” whatever that is. I’m no expert in sports medicine, but that doesn’t sound like a legitimate injury. His coach said he didn’t want to “risk injury” for his star player. Every player who takes the pitch risks injury every game.

Inter Miami is reportedly paying Messi about $54 million a year for helping his team make the playoffs. That team suffered a setback to their playoff hopes with a 5-2 drubbing

Saturday, absent their star.

Messi — by all appearances — doesn’t seem to care about his fans, or his teammates. Some team captain.

At my home Saturday night, the Messi poster came off the wall. It’s likely similar scenes played out elsewhere.

Inter Miami’s ownership and management should take note going forward.

– Stephen Gurr, Flowery Branch, GA

SAVE A LIFE

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. In Florida in 2019, 63% of gun deaths were suicides. The United States has 12 times the number of gun suicides of any other nation. Last year, this country set a record for the most gun suicides ever.

Suicide is often an impulsive decision made in as little as five minutes. Guns are the most lethal means of suicide.

Easy access to a gun can make the difference between life and death for someone in crisis.

If someone is depressed, ask them if they’re thinking of taking their life. If yes, remove access to lethal means, including alcohol, drugs and weapons. Get them help by calling 988, the national mental health crisis line.

My friend took her life with a gun, and I will always regret not doing more to help her. If you reach out, you just may save a life. – Barbara Markley, Fort Lauderdale

LEAVE US ALONE!

I am part of a growing group of residents who live in Little Gables, part of unincorporated MiamiDade County, and who oppose Coral Gables’ nearly 50-year effort to annex our little enclave. Many of us bought in Little Gables because we wanted lower property taxes and to avoid the over-regulation of our properties by the Gables.

But in an underhanded effort to devour Little Gables, the Gables sent us a petition card in which, unbelievably, the only reply option is to say “Yes” to annexation.

So this is how the City of Coral Gables handles what is supposed to be a survey of what the residents of Little Gables desire? They give us no choice, our only option is to agree with them. I question whether the way the city drafted this petition is even legal. Yet another reason why we don’t want to be part of the city of Coral Gables.

– Doug Mayer, Miami

DESANTIS A BULLY

Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to live up to Theodore Roosevelt’s creative description of someone who “has no more backbone than a chocolate éclair.” DeSantis suspends Miami City Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla because he was charged with money laundering, despite Diaz de La Portilla claiming (as Donald Trump often does) that it is political and he is innocent. Yet, DeSantis would still support Trump for president if he were convicted.

If Florida law requires Diaz de la Portilla be suspended, then DeSantis should not endorse a convict for president. If it is not required by state law, then why suspend someone who is presumed innocent?

DeSantis’ behavior continues to be a profile in cowardice.

– Jose Teijeiro, Miami

JORDAN’S MANIA

Ohio U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan’s method of questioning and ignoring facts is obnoxious. I wonder how he would respond to individuals questioning his knowledge and involvement in the sexual abuse of Ohio State wrestlers when he coached there.

He threw his beloved wrestlers under the bus.

– Priscilla Fregger Adler,

Cutler Bay

ON GUARD

Protection of Zoo Miami’s property and the adjacent property is absolutely essential, as specific plants and animals need this land to exist and thrive. Further, the intense and continuous noise generated by a water park will cause undue stress to the zoo’s animals. The Miami Wilds developer argues that the project will provide hundreds of jobs. What he doesn’t say is that those jobs will be provided regardless of where the park is built.

We are not opposed to a water park; we are opposed to using the proposed property. Too often, commissioners use their authority to support developers’ requests to build on existing green spaces. This time, I hope commissioners have the character to vote against the proposal. This would be a win for our diminishing and endangered South Florida environment.

– Ellen D. Coulton,

South Miami