Inter Miami CF has announced the termination of goalkeeper Nick Marsman's contract following his recent remarks about the club's preparedness for the arrival of Lionel Messi.
The decision comes just a few weeks after Marsman openly expressed concerns about Inter Miami's infrastructure being suitable for a player of Messi's stature.
Marsman's reservations were made public in an interview with ESPN where he voiced his doubts.
He stated, "I personally think that this club is not ready for Messi’s arrival. We have a temporary stadium, people can just walk on the pitch, there are no gates. We also leave for the stadium without security. I think they aren’t ready. But I hope he comes."
The repercussions of his comments have been swift, as Inter Miami officials have decided to sever ties with the Dutch goalkeeper.
Marsman, 32, joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) side in 2021 and made 29 appearances for the team during his tenure.
On a different note, Lionel Messi's transition to Inter Miami has been nothing short of spectacular.
The Argentine superstar's performance on the field has silenced any doubts about his impact.
In just four appearances for the club, Messi has managed to find the back of the net seven times.
His recent brace against FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup round of 16 further solidified his position as one of the club's all-time highest goalscorers.
This impressive feat has propelled Messi to the joint-fourth position in Inter Miami's history books for the most goals scored by a player.
His seamless adaptation to the team and the league has made him an instant fan favorite, and his presence has already begun to reshape the trajectory of the club's season.