The Fort Lauderdale franchise has become totally dependent on the Argentinean and the statistics reveal that when he is absent, the team suffers.
Diego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaAndy HallEstados UnidosUpdate: Sep 28th, 2023 15:02 EDT
CARMEN MANDATOAFP
Defeat to Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final was a tough blow for Inter Miami. After lifting the Leagues Cup just under a month ago, Gerardo Martino’s team were confident that they could win the second title in the club’s history, but ended up losing 1-2 in front of a home crowd. Now, the objective is to fight to reach the playoffs with the dream of winning the MLS Cup still alive.
Apart from the pain of losing a final at home, there is concern at Inter Miami at how much the team has come to rely on star summer signing Lionel Messi. The Argentinean has not been able to train with the squad for several days and has missed three of the last four league games – on top of the most important game of all during this month – last night’s final.
Gracias por el apoyo #LaFamiliaIMCF 💗🖤 pic.twitter.com/Zr63gl0QJL
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 28, 2023
Wednesday’s US Open Cup disappointment highlights how Inter Miami has started to become a ‘Messi dependent’ team. The team’s ps when they have been without the Argentine ace are completely indifferent to when the world champion is on the field.
So let’s take a look at how Inter Miami have fared when Messi has played, compared to when he has been absent. The difference is eye-opening…
Spotted in the stands 🐐📸 pic.twitter.com/GA0Lr6BVM3
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) September 28, 2023
Inter Miami collapse without Messi
Since making his debut against Cruz Azul on 22 July, Messi has missed a total of four games with Inter Miami. The worrying part of that for his team is that out of those four games, the team only won one – two were defeats and one a draw, leaving a win rate of 33% when the Argentine star is not on the field of play.
Inter Miami without Messi
MLS
Inter Miami 3-2 Kansas CityAtlanta United 5-2 Inter MiamiOrlando City 1-1 Inter Miami
US Open Cup
Inter Miami 1-2 Houston Dynamo
Similarly, Miami’s scoring productivity decreases drastically – without Messi, they register seven goals for and 10 against, further highlighting the importance of their captain.
📍@DRVPNKStadium #MIAvTOR | 7:30PM ET | #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV: https://t.co/QRx3Gs2ubx pic.twitter.com/XioTOfTcjG
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 20, 2023
