Missed Opportunity: CF Montréal's Near-Messi Encounter
Remember that time CF Montréal almost played Lionel Messi? It was a real head-scratcher, and a missed opportunity for the club and Canadian soccer fans. So, let's dive into the details and see what went down.
The Setup: A Friendly Match That Almost Was
In 2019, Inter Miami CF, Messi's current team, was preparing for their inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS). The club planned a pre-season friendly against CF Montréal in Florida, which would have given the Canadian side a chance to face off against the legendary Argentine forward.
The Controversy: A Clash of Schedules
Now, here's where things get interesting. Apparently, TVA Sports, CF Montréal's broadcaster, had a scheduling conflict with the proposed match date, and they reportedly refused to broadcast the game. This led to a breakdown in negotiations, and the friendly ultimately fell through.
The Aftermath: A Missed Opportunity for Canadian Soccer
This decision sparked a heated debate, with many criticizing TVA Sports for prioritizing their own schedule over a historic opportunity for Canadian soccer. The potential to feature Messi in a match against a Canadian team would have been a massive marketing coup for the league, and a chance for Canadian fans to witness the legend in action.
TVA's Justification: A Matter of Business?
TVA Sports defended their decision, citing a busy schedule and pre-existing commitments. However, the public backlash was significant. Many saw it as a missed opportunity, and a potential setback for the growth of soccer in Canada.
While CF Montréal never ended up facing Messi in that friendly, the story serves as a reminder of the complexities and compromises that sometimes arise in the world of sports. It was a missed opportunity for fans, the club, and even the sport itself.
Who knows, maybe one day Messi will play in Canada again, and this time TVA Sports will be ready. We can only hope.