“People don’t want to hear that, but you have to give him credit” - Ex-USMNT star on who deserves praise for Inter Miami thriving without Lionel Messi
Former USMNT star Herculez Gomez believes Inter Miami manager Tata Martino should be given credit for the club's successful showings without Lionel Messi. The former American goalkeeper also highlighted how there was little confidence that Miami would do well without the Argentine maestro.
Gomez pointed out how he was unsure of the club's fortunes without Messi but Martino exceeded expectations and deserved all the credit. He told Futbol Americas:
"I didn't think they'd be good without Messi, that's the reality as they've shown us before that they're not good without Messi. But this summer, they're showing us they can be good without just Messi but also Suarez. It's really impressive what they've done, and you have to give Tata Martino credit. People don't want to hear that, but you have to give him credit here."
Without Messi, Miami have six of their last seven MLS games. Overall, the club have collected 53 points from their 25 matches this season and are on top of the Eastern Conference table. They are also atop the overall table and are looking set to win the Supporters' Shield.
Inter Miami are doing well without Lionel Messi, claims Sacha Kljestan
MLS legend Sacha Kljestan also spoke about Inter Miami doing well without Lionel Messi. He stressed how the team have continued to perform brilliantly even with Messi leaving on international duty and his subsequent injury.
He wrote in his column for MLS's official website:
"No team enters the All-Star Game feeling better than Inter Miami, who lead the overall table with 53 points. The Herons have won six of their last seven, all without Lionel Messi. He was busy winning Copa America and then unfortunately injured his ankle in the final.
"But it hasn't mattered, as head coach Tata Martino has dealt with missing players all season and keeps this team ticking. Inter Miami will enter the final sprint as definite favorites to lift their first-ever Supporters' Shield."
Inter Miami won their first-ever silverware last summer when Lionel Messi helped them with the Leagues Cup. They begin the defense this week but will be without the Argentine as he recovers from an ankle injury.