However, Vice City will have to navigate a challenging period without their talisman. Lionel Messi, still an active player for his national team, has been called up to participate in two international friendlies for Argentina, leaving Miami without their star player for their upcoming game against Kansas City.
This absence comes at a critical time for the Floridian franchise, as they are in pursuit of a playoff spot in MLS. Typically, teams needed an average of 43.3 points to secure a playoff position, meaning that the Herons must aim for roughly two points per game to meet their objective.
Unfortunately, Miami will also be without several other key players who have been called up for international duty, compounding the challenge. Notable names on this list include Drake Callender, Robert Taylor, Josef Martinez, and Sergei Kryvtsov.
Despite these setbacks, Coach Tata Martino can still rely on some key players as he prepares for the Kansas City clash. Among them are former Barcelona duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, as well as mainstays DeAndre Yedlin, Kamal Miller, Leo Campana, and Dixon Arroyo.
There is some good news as first-choice goalkeeper Callender is expected to remain with the Miami team for the upcoming fixture before joining his national team for a friendly against Oman on September 12.
Martino has acknowledged the need to adapt to Messi’s absence due to his international commitments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining results when their star is away.
Inter Miami’s season could be on shaky ground due to an MLS rule and a significant blow involving Lionel Messi. The Herons have been riding a wave of success since the arrival of the Argentine superstar, who has transformed their fortunes. Messi, now the team’s captain, has led them to victory in the Leagues Cup, scoring 11 goals in as many games.
Sergio Busquets, another crucial player for Inter Miami, has called on his teammates to stay focused and continue their strong form even in Messi’s absence. He acknowledges the difficulty of the upcoming match with so many national team players missing, including Messi, who is known for his game-changing contributions.
Inter Miami faces an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot, currently sitting second from the bottom of the Eastern Conference. However, they remain eight points behind D.C. United, who occupy the final playoff position, with two games in hand.