Are Inter Miami Over-Dependent on Lionel Messi? Tata Martino Subtly Agrees- “Barcelona Felt It 10 Years Ago”

Inter Miami is back to stumbling in its pursuit of success. Moments ago, the Herons were held by Orlando City in the Florida Derby, resulting not only in a stalemate but also putting a full stop to their winning streak. An obvious pattern in their sudden halt to triumph is the absence of Lionel Messi, who was forced to remain sidelined for this match due to injury. But does it indicate that Miami is somehow dependent on La Pulga? Well, Tata Martino believes it’s ‘impossible‘ to achieve what could be in his presence.

Speaking in the post-match presser, the former River Plate boss was asked to contemplate the result, in which Messi’s absence played a significant role. Interestingly, while bringing his and La Pulga’s former side into the conversation, Martino said, “With Leo (Messi) not there it is impossible to achieve the ability he has to play the last 25 meters, Inter Miami feels that today, and Barcelona ten years ago.” 

Martino is implying that they are not alone in depending on Messi to deliver positive results, as was the case with the former Catalan side he managed for one season. Though it doesn’t mean that Miami, or even Barcelona in that case, won all the games in which Messi played, the 36-year-old’s presence does lead to a change in the course of the game. Unfortunately, today was one of those days that the Fort Lauderdale side had to bear. 

Luis Suarez, Matias Rojas, and Robert Taylor failed to find the target. It was Orlando who dominated the game with 14 shots on target, twice what Miami did. Perhaps all that may change hopefully in the presence of Messi. That said, when will he make a return?

When will Lionel Messi make a return for Inter Miami? 

Following the match, Tata Martino addressed the injury updates on Lionel Messi. As compiled by journalist Jose Armando on X, the manager said, “Messi was in discomfort, he trained every day what he had agreed upon and in accordance with the discomfort in his knee as a result of the blow. He was uneasy and had studies done, the studies were very good.”

The journalist added that Messi’s absence tonight wasn’t a result of a major injury. Additionally, there’s no sign that his involvement in the Copa America, set to start in late June, is at risk. In fact, the skipper is likely to be fit and ready for selection in the upcoming weekend’s match against DC United. Even if he fails to return, Miami then might get a chance to prove that they aren’t dependent on Messi at all by clinching a positive result.