After a brief break due to the League Cup, Inter Miami came back to MLS action this Saturday. It was Lionel Messi’s debut in the league. He came off the bench to even score a goal for the MLS side. However, with the international break approaching in about a week, the Argentine will miss a few league matches. Coach Gerardo Martino gave an update on how many days their ace will miss. He also assured the fans’ concerns about Messi’s absence and its effects on the team.
Lionel Messi made his MLS debut on Saturday against NY Red Bulls. The Argentine did not start the match but came off the bench in the 60th minute. In those last 30 minutes, Messi scored an amazing goal. With only 1 minute left on the clock, Messi scored the team’s second goal to seal the match. Miami were already leading before Messi came on the pitch. With the win, Miami moved up a spot to the 14th position in the MLS Eastern Conference table.
NY Red Bulls are currently occupying the 11th position in the league table. Hence, Miami will still be facing much stronger opponents before the season ends. However, the international break begins in about a week. It will see Messi departing for a while to fulfill his international duties. Argentina have two matches against Ecuador on September 8 and against Bolivia on September 13. Messi will surely join the national team for these games. Miami fans are concerned over the time period the Argentine will be gone.
Coach Gerardo Martino spoke to Inter Miami’s official website and addressed the concerns following the win against NY Red Bulls. He said, “We put a lot of value in this win because this [playing with a rotation] is something we need to get used to because Leo is going to join his national team. He’ll miss at least three games this year and next year it will be the same, and we need to understand that when he’s not here the team still needs to provide results.”
The coach did not mention the specific matches Messi will miss. However, the coach mentioned he will miss 3 matches this year and Argentina play 2 games in each of September, October, and November. Before Argentina’s first game against Ecuador, Miami will play two league games. The only game that Miami will play during Argentina’s matches in September is against Sporting KC on 10th September. It is clear that Messi improved the team manifolds and if there is any chance of Miami making the playoffs, they will want Messi.
However, Miami will also need to keep winning all matches even in Messi’s absence to have the slightest of chances. Talking about their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, the coach said, “In regards to our chances [to make the playoffs], they are still very minimal, we cannot cover the reality we’re in. We are very far down in the standings. What we have to do is win the games we have in front of us. If we keep winning, the chances of making it will increase. Today we took the first step.”
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