The Vancouver Whitecaps are making it up to their fans by offering free tickets for a future match following the disappointment of Lionel Messi not turning up last Saturday.
The reason given for the no-shows was a packed fixture list and Martino's desire to give the ageing stars, all 35 or older, a rest. This move didn't sit well with the Whitecaps supporters. READ MORE: Lionel Messi mania in MLS finally reaches breaking point with Vancouver statement and 'protests'Ticket prices had initially skyrocketed with the expectation that Messi would be playing, but they plummeted when it was confirmed he wouldn't be attending. As a result, The Province reports that the Whitecaps will offer a complimentary ticket for another game this season, with details to be sent via email soon.
"The expectation that people have. I really don't think I have to apologize, but in some ways, we are very sorry for not being able to travel with our stars. There is a question, we have or have come without our great players. Leo, Luis, Busi, Diego Gomez and still we have competed very well."