Inter Miami recorded their third straight MLS win, despite missing out on the services of star forwards Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez . In their absence, fellow star Jordi Alba hoped the duo would stay away ‘as long as possible’, with their national teams.
With their two primary forwards away to play at the ongoing Copa America, Inter Miami had to face tough challenges with major gaps in the attack. However, the team has defied expectations. The Herons secured three impressive 2-1 wins in a row against Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, and Nashville SC. It seems other players are stepping up to fill the void left by Messi and Suarez, with full-back Alba even scoring a remarkable goal against Nashville.
In an interview, the former Barcelona defender expressed the team’s united support for the two forwards, participating in the Copa America. He acknowledged that while they miss the star players in Miami, they prioritize their success on the international stage. He urged them to stay with their countries for as long as possible, without hurrying back for their club. Moreover, he emphasized Miami’s current form and the need to maintain their winning streak.
We miss them a lot, for their international teams they're doing really well and we hope they stay there for as long as possible, but for now, we're doing well ourselves here. Jordi Alba on Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez (via Goal.com)
All the criticism was about what Inter Miami would look like without the international departures.
— Danny (@DM__MIA) June 30, 2024
How about three wins in three matches (two of them being away) without Messi, Suarez, and Rojas.
See you on Wednesday! pic.twitter.com/ojACjOPxq7
The Heron’s win against Nashville marked their 13th of the season, as they retained their place at the top of the MLS Group A table. Inter Miami will face off against Charlotte FC next, while the two forwards shall return after the 14th of July.
Inter Miami forward Julian Gressel steps up for team Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s absence
US star Julian Gressel has stepped up to fill the temporary void left by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, at Inter Miami. The 30-year old has has three goal contributions over the last three matches, since the two departed to play at the Copa America.
Inter Miami is exceeding expectations without the duo. They recently won three games in a row, with the American Gressel stepping up to fill Messi’s creative play-maker role. He has scored a goal and provided three assists in the team’s last four matches, and has emerged as a regular in Gerardo Martino‘s side.
With the assist against Nashville, Gressel took his overall season tally to seven assists. He has made 25 appearances in total this season, while scoring one goal. He had joined Inter Miami early this year, on a free transfer from Columbus.