"It gets the whole group galvanized" - MLS legend claims Inter Miami are better without Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez
Former LA Galaxy star Sacha Kljestan believes Inter Miami are playing with more energy without Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The two Barcelona legends are currently on international duty, representing Argentina and Uruguay, respectively, for the 2024 Copa America, which will come to a close on July 14.
Many Inter Miami fans feared their form would take a turn for the worse following Messi and Suarez's departure. However, the Herons have flourished in their last two games, defeating Philadelphia 2-1 (June 15), and Colombus by the same scoreline on June 19.
Kljestan reckons Inter Miami are doing better without Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as they are now playing with more energy and are more alert on the pitch. He said (via Inter Miami News):
“When Messi and Suarez aren’t on the field and they have a guy like Campana playing up front, who will press with more energy and who will fight for more balls, it gets the whole group galvanized and to press a little bit higher, and for the first 30 minutes [to go 2-0 up] worked really well.”
Leonardo Campana has effectively led the line for Inter Miami in Lionel Messi's absence, notably getting on the scoresheet against Columbus. Moreover, they have also been boosted by Ian Fray's return who also netted in the same game. The latter previously missed 40 games due to a cruciate ligament tear.
The Herons will be aiming to keep this momentum going in their next fixture against Nashville on Saturday, June 29.
How have Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez fared for Inter Miami this season?
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reunited before the 2024 MLS campaign started after the latter was signed as a free agent from Gremio on a one-year deal. The duo will be looking to replicate their success from their time at Barcelona and have already helped the Herons climb to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference with 41 points from 20 games.
Messi has been in exceptional form, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 15 appearances across all competitions. The 36-year-old is also joint-third in the Golden Boot race in the MLS, having scored 12 goals to date - the same number as Suarez. They are currently behind Christian Benteke (13) and Cristian Arango (16).
In contrast, Suarez has struggled with his mobility up front, mostly due to his recurring knee injury. Fortunately, he has still been clinical in front of goal, garnering 14 goals and seven assists in 20 games across all competitions.