"The intention was always for me to step into that position" – Inter Miami star makes confident claim on replacing Lionel Messi during Copa America
Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel has shared his two cents on replacing Lionel Messi, who is currently participating at the ongoing Copa America, as the creative force of his club.
Gressel, who joined the Herons on a free transfer after departing Columbus Crew earlier in January, has cemented himself as a vital starter for Inter Miami this year. He has scored one goal and provided six assists in 24 games across competitions for his club in 2024.
The six-cap United States international started his club's past two matches on the right flank. The 30-year-old netted a goal in a 2-1 Major League Soccer (MLS) win over Philadelphia Union and recorded an assist in a 2-1 victory against Columbus Crew on June 19.
Speaking recently on the Player/Manager podcast, Gressel expressed his opinion on filling the void left by Messi's Copa America-induced absence. He said (h/t Inter Miami News):
"We knew that he was going to be gone at the Copa America, so the intention was always for me to step into that position. Obviously, I'll never be able to fill his shoes, but it's something I can do and do it in my way, and I thought I played pretty effectively against Columbus."
The German-born star will next be in action for Inter Miami in their MLS encounter against Nashville SC at Geodis Park on Saturday (June 29).
Messi, on the other hand, relished a great start to the ongoing term for the Herons before departing to represent Argentina. He has scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in 15 matches for his club this year.
Lionel Messi to miss Argentina's upcoming Copa America 2024 game, says journalist
Earlier on Tuesday (June 25), Lionel Messi picked up a minor thigh problem in his national team's 1-0 Copa America Group A win over Chile. He sustained the injury in the 24th minute of the encounter.
Following Argentina's second win at the Copa America, the 37-year-old was asked to provide an update on his injury. He replied (h/t AP):
"It's bothering me a little bit but I was able to finish the match. It was hard for me to move freely, particularly side to side. We'll see tomorrow how it feels."
Now, according to ESPN reporter Diego Monroig, Messi is likely to be unavailable for Argentina's Group A contest against Peru on June 29.
Argentina are currently atop Group A with six points from two games.