The big news ahead from Inter Miami is regarding Lionel Messi. From the team sheet, La Pulga is not even on the bench, let alone the starting XI. Having played the full 90 minutes against DC United previously, the Argentine superstar looked in great shape. But why has Tata Martino avoided playing his captain in a crucial encounter? Did he suffer an injury in the latest training sessions?

The story is that Lionel Messi has no new injury concerns. In fact, the Herons have made the decision to rest their playmaker considering the tight fixture list. The rationale is that La Pulga would be fresh for the encounter with Atlanta United on May 30. This comes as a huge relief to fans. In the recent training sessions, the Argentine superstar looked uncomfortable and was seen holding his legs repeatedly. Moreover, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner has played just 12 games out of 20 this season due to injuries. Luckily, there was no injury this time around.

Also, Lionel Messi is not the only superstar to miss the game. The likes of Luis Suarez & Sergio Busquets are also not in the squad. They have been excluded for the same reason as La Pulga, to keep them fresh and rested. Replacing the duo are Leonardo Campana and Yannick Bight. Can they serve as able replacements? Well, find out soon.

While resting Lionel Messi is a great idea on paper, it leaves Tata Martino with a big problem. The Herons are not the same team without the Argentine maestro and winning games is a struggle.

Inter Miami’s dismal record without Lionel Messi!

Inter Miami looks like a completely different team with and without Lionel Messi. This season, their record without La Pulga reads 3 losses, draws, and a solitary win. Even coach Tata Martino has admitted that the team is over-reliant on Messi. This season, he has scored 10 goals and 9 assists in the MLS, cementing himself as their leader on the pitch. The other major goalscorer Luis Suarez is also unavailable. Hence, the main for Inter Miami tonight will be Leonardo Campana.

Campana will have a lot to prove. Last season, he formed a deadly attack with Lionel Messi, which proved pivotal in winning the Leagues Cup. But the arrival of Luis Suarez has pushed the Ecuadorian star to the periphery. At 23, Campana is the future of the club and one to build the team around. Can he help the Herons secure all 3 points? Let’s wait and watch.