Lionel Messi’s incredible goal in the Leagues Cup Final is being used to inspire the next generation.
In an interview with MLSsoccer.com, Inter Miami academy coach Federico Higuain stated that the organization uses the Argentine’s 23rd-minute goal against Nashville SC as motivation for the younger players.
“He started moving from midfield and ended up scoring next to the box. So, I asked the guys, particularly those who play the number 10 position, to look at what he did and realize that in that role you can create plays but you can also finish them,” the ex-Miami midfielder said.
“The question we asked them was ‘Who scored and where did that play begin for him?’ Well, it started in the middle of the field. A 16-year-old can understand and try that.”
Messi led Inter Miami to its first trophy in club history with the Leagues Cup triumph. Though the Herons failed to make the playoffs in 2023, next season looks promising, with rumors that Luis Suárez could join the team in January.
Inter Miami’s core of youngsters and 2024 expectations
Inter Miami’s academy has produced several players that contribute meaningful minutes to the first team.
Benjamin Cremaschi, Ian Fray, Noah Allen, David Ruiz, and Lawson Sunderland played crucial roles in Miami’s run to the League Cup title.
As the team gets ready for 2024, expect the Heron’s young core will be integral to the team’s success.
With Inter Miami playing in multiple competitions next year, the organization’s youngster will have to step up.
All in all, the South Florida team has a good mixture of young players and veterans.
If the reports about Suárez reuniting with Messi are true, Inter Miami is quietly building a roster that could challenge for MLS Cup in 2024.