Getty ImagesThe Herons have shown great resilience in managing to cope without their superstar attacker, as well as Luis Suarez, over the past few weeks.
Just before Lionel Messi departed for Copa America, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino was asked how his side would fare without their talisman. "If these players find themselves in form, with confidence, secure, and understand the challenges of the five games after St. Louis, it's clear that we'll be able to survive Copa America," he said in response.
The response lacked confidence, which was not surprising. It is often said that no player should overshadow their club, but in Messi’s situation, this notion is taken to the extreme.
On and off the pitch, the legendary figure is Inter Miami, so it's only natural that the Herons approached his extended absence with trepidation – even if they had managed to pick up some results without him last season.
This time, however, had a slightly different feel. The stakes were raised as Inter Miami held the top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference and were poised to win the Supporters’ Shield. Additionally, Messi has exceeded his initial season’s performances in the early stages of the current campaign.
