17 July 2023 , 18:05
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MLS side St Louis City SC have insisted the banning of Lionel Messi kits from their game against his new side Inter Miami was simply club policy.
The Argentinian was finally announced as Inter Miami's newest signing earlier on Saturday, with the team later playing in St Louis at their CITYPARK stadium. League-leading St Louis defeated Miami 3-0 to kill off any momentum the club might have had going into the fixture. after announcing Messi who did not feature.
The club later told they made the decision not to allow any Messi gear after speaking with their supporters at the beginning of the season. The club stated that they have essentially adopted an English-style approach to their fan experience - having an area for fans to be louder and in support of the team - therefore banning opposition jerseys.
With Messi signing for Inter Miami on the same day, they had not wanted to see the opposition supported in their 'Supporters Section'. Fans were permitted to wear Messi shirts elsewhere in the stadium, with them having more family friendly areas - as is the case in many English stadiums.
Their CITYPARK stadium has been credited as having the best atmosphere in the entire MLS - in their first season of joining the league. The game proved to be another example of why it will be a tough ask for Miami to make the playoffs this season, as they were comfortably beaten to ensure they remain bottom of the Eastern Conference.
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Lionel Messi was announced as a Inter Miami player on Saturday (REX/Shutterstock)Speaking about Messi's signing after their loss to St Louis City, new manager Gerardo Martino said: "We are happy that today the signing of the contract is made official and tomorrow he has his presentation. We would have liked to be able to give him a win for that presentation, and we have not been able to.
"Then, looking to the future, with the illusion that having the best player gives in the world playing in your team, but also with the patience that you have to have to leave him physically prepared to play at the right time."
Messi is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami in their League Cup clash with Mexican side Cruz Azul in Fort Lauderdale on July 21. They then face Atlanta United in the same competition on July 25, with the MLS not due to return until August 21.