Lionel Messi faces a significant challenge in revitalizing a struggling team like Inter Miami. When Josef Martinez missed a golden opportunity in the 21st round of the MLS 2023 against Austin on July 2, the team's new coach, Gerardo Martino, appeared unimpressed. It became evident that even with the presence of Messi, if Martinez and his teammates continue to squander scoring chances, Inter Miami cannot be saved.
Although Martinez eventually scored against Austin, his teammates couldn't maintain the lead, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Nevertheless, Inter Miami players can breathe a sigh of relief as the point earned against Austin ended their streak of six consecutive defeats in the MLS this season.
Poor Performance
Inter Miami has been one of the weakest teams in the MLS this season, if not the weakest. After 19 matches, they languish at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 13 losses. Even the team just above them, Toronto, has only suffered eight defeats. With a 10-point gap from the playoff spots held by DC United, Inter Miami's chances of making it to the decisive rounds of the MLS this season are slim. However, the arrival of Messi changes the outlook.
Regardless of economic factors, brand value, or off-field influence, fans primarily expect Messi to deliver goals, assists, and outstanding performances on the pitch. Will Messi be able to thrive in the MLS? The answer is both yes and no.
The professional level of the MLS is undoubtedly not on par with the Champions League or Ligue 1. Messi is still in top form to shine in Europe's elite leagues, as evidenced by his 21 goals and 20 assists in 41 appearances for PSG last season. Moreover, no one can forget his remarkable performances in the 2022 World Cup.
However, football is a team sport, and one player alone cannot turn a struggling team around. Currently, Inter Miami's squad quality is poor, and their style of play lacks creativity. Even under the guidance of Gary Neville, who led the team to the playoffs last season, the team's performance was not particularly impressive. Back then, Inter Miami boasted quality players like Gonzalo Higuain and Kieran Gibbs.
In the current season, Inter Miami lacks well-known European names in their squad. The past has shown that big names from the continent do not guarantee success in the MLS. The team's football style and philosophy pose the biggest challenges. For instance, in their recent match against Austin, Inter Miami had more possession (54%) but lacked penetration and creativity in their gameplay.
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