Houston offer free tickets for Messi’s absence

Neymar continued his fine form since returning to Brazil as Santos beat Bragantino 2-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Campeonato Paulista.

Houston offer free tickets for Messi’s absence

Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo have offered free tickets to disgruntled supporters after Lionel Messi was left out of Inter Miami's side for Sunday's match between the two teams.

The match at the 22,000 capacity Shell Energy Stadium was a sellout in anticipation of the Argentina captain playing in Texas.

Messi was not listed as unavailable on the shared player status report, which is shared by MLS before matches.

However, the forward was rested by manager Javier Mascherano before the side's Concacaf Champions Cup last-16 tie against Cavalier FC.

"Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent," a Dynamo statement said.

"To show our appreciation, fans who attend can claim a complimentary ticket to a future Dynamo match this season".

A brace from Venezuela midfielder Telasco Segovia and goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez helped Miami cruise into a four-goal lead, before a late consolation from Dynamo.