Soccer star Lionel Messi to miss game against Vancouver Whitecaps

Marc DeLuca and his wife had the perfect sixth birthday gift for their son, Jack — tickets to see Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF play the Whitecaps in Vancouver. 

News that the legendary Argentine soccer star didn't make the trip to B.C. has devastated not only the DeLucas, but thousands of fans who ponied up for pricey tickets to Saturday's game. 

"It was supposed to be a big surprise for [Jack] to see his soccer idol," said Marc DeLuca, who spent about $1,500 for five tickets in the upper bowl at B.C. Place. 

"It just completely obliterates our birthday plans."

Messi isn't the only legendary player set to miss the match, which was expected to draw more than 50,000 fans.

Miami — the top team in the Major League Soccer standings — also opted to keep Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez and Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets in Florida. 

The decision is based on the club's upcoming schedule, which includes three games between Saturday and the following Saturday, Miami head coach Gerardo (Tata) Martino said Friday. 

"We thought it was the most prudent for them not to play this match. They have been training but they will not be available for the game," he said through an interpreter.

"We obviously understand the frustration of the people wanting to watch these players play. We as coaches sometimes have to make these very difficult football decisions. But we always have to keep in mind the players' health first." 

Martino was quick to note that the artificial turf at B.C. Place did not play a role in the decision. Keeping the trio at home was all about saving them from gruelling travel and a three-hour time change, he said. 

In the past, MLS has opted not to schedule mid-week games for teams that have travelled long distances, or