Both Busquets and Suarez were included among the substitutes for the game against Montreal, but fans who had shelled out hundreds – and potentially thousands – for a seat at Chase Stadium were left ruing the coach’s decision.

Instead, Martino opted for a 5-3-2 formation on Sunday evening, with Leonardo Campana and Robert Taylor leading the line, and an not-often-seen midfield three of new signings Julian Gressel and Federico Redondo, and 22-year-old Lawson Sunderland.

Lionel Messi played midweek against Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16

Luis Suarez arrives for the Inter Miami game on Sunday – but he’s not in the starting line-up

Sergio Busquets also was only named among the substitutes, leaving fans disappointed

Messi picked up a knock in midweek and coach Tata Martino opted to rest him this weekend

So far this season, Inter Miami are unbeaten and sit top of MLS’ Eastern Conference, having won two and drawn one of their three games so far.

Last season’s basement boys opened their season with a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake, before drawing 1-1 with LA Galaxy in their second game.

Last weekend, they thrashed Florida rivals Orlando City 5-0, and are big favorites to overcome Montreal even without their star trio.