The huge 'problem' Lionel Messi is creating for Inter Miami
Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami is like a fairy tale come true. Since his arrival in MLS, the Argentinian star has taken The Herons to the next level. But danger lurks for David Beckham's team.
The 36-year-old world champion has made an immediate impact in Florida and can't seem to stop scoring and providing assists since his summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi has now scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists in just 11 appearances for Inter Miami. Impressive numbers, even for his standards.
Shortly after his arrival at Inter Miami, Messi even helped the club win the first major trophy in its history, the Leagues Cup.
His numbers and impact clearly show that Inter Miami are very dependent on their superstar.
And therein lies the rub, as Inter Miami will have to do without Messi during the next international break, when Argentina play Ecuador in the South American qualifiers for the next World Cup in 2026.
Following the clash with Ecuador, Argentina will also face Bolivia on 12 September, in which Messi also expected to feature.
Due to these international commitments, Messi is set to miss one MLS match with Inter Miami, who are looking to continue their winning streak and hope to qualify for the play-offs.
Messi's teammate Sergio Busquets is aware that Inter Miami face a major challenge without their star man.
"Hopefully we can continue in the same dynamic, although without Leo it will be quite difficult because he makes the difference in goals and assists," said Busquets, quoted by Spanish newspaper AS.
Will Inter Miami pull it off and show they can also win without Messi?