Miami International coach Martino said they and New York Red Bulls both wanted to postpone the game

Miami International coach Martino said they tried to postpone their MLS regular-season match against New York Red Bulls, but the idea ultimately didn't succeed.

In the match scheduled for March 24th at 2 a.m. Beijing time, Martino had a long list of absent players, including their star Messi. Similar issues also troubled New York Red Bulls coach Sandro Schwarz, as up to eight potential starting players could be absent due to fitness issues and this week's international break.

Martino even told reporters at a pre-match press conference that even FIFA agreed to the two clubs' request to postpone the game, but the U.S. Soccer Federation did not approve: "We received a request from New York Red Bulls to postpone, and we agreed, but the federation did not approve. This is something you have to consider, and the league will have to continue to evaluate (playing during the rest periods stipulated by FIFA)."

Although almost all other top football leagues in the world suspend during international match dates, MLS teams cannot enjoy the same treatment, meaning many teams will be short of players this weekend. With the reintroduction of the League Cup last year, officials at the U.S. Soccer Federation are faced with a dilemma: because the League Cup takes place over four weeks in the middle of the season, postponing games becomes very difficult.