Michelle Kaufman on Messi–Inter Miami Fan Rift

Michelle Kaufman joins the show to explain the growing tension between Inter Miami supporter groups and superstar Lionel Messi after fans staged a silent protest during the club’s recent home match. Kaufman explains that “La Familia,” the collective name for Inter Miami’s passionate supporter groups, became frustrated after players failed to acknowledge them following several recent home games, leading to an unusually quiet stadium atmosphere throughout most of the match. The conversation also covers fans changing the lyrics of an Argentinian chant to mock the players late in the game, while Kaufman emphasizes that these are loyal supporters who backed the club before Messi arrived and will remain long after he leaves. The segment also dives into Messi’s relationship with the media, including the fact he has not spoken to local reporters in nearly three years, which Kaufman notes is highly unusual in American sports compared to other superstar athletes who regularly address the media win or lose.