Inter Miami showed this year that they’ve struggled when Messi wasn’t on the field.
From September 9th to October 7th, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was out due to a recurring hamstring injury.
During that period, Miami suffered in attack, scoring just 13 goals seven in games. That form was particularly worrying considering that during the team’s run to the Leagues Cup final, they outscored opponents 22 to 11.
When Messi wasn’t on the pitch, the Herons looked stagnant and timid. The overreliance on the 36-year-old eventually became an issue for the team when they were pushing to make the playoffs. Ultimately, the men in pink just missed out due to their poor late-season form.
As they switch gears to the 2024 season, it’s imperative that other attacking players on the roster step up when Messi is resting and or away with the Argentina National Team for World Cup qualifiers.
Inter Miami’s supporting cast
Miami’s attacking arsenal has a bevy of offensive talent.
Facundo Farias is the first player that stands out on the squad. Signing with Miami from Colon in the summer, the Argentine immediately got comfortable in Inter Miami’s starting eleven. Though just 21 years old, the midfielder showed flashes of brilliance during his 11-game run with the Herons.
Farias ended 2023 with 4 G/A in all competitions.
Additionally, another attacking asset that will need to step up is striker Leonardo Campana.
The tall, brooding Ecuadorian stands at 6’2 (1.88 m), and is incredibly dominant in the air. Though his 2023 was hampered by injuries, the forward still contributed to the attack, netting nine goals in 26 matches.
Furthermore, in 2022, Campana demonstrated that he’s capable of carrying an attack, scoring 11 goals in 26 games, just five behind ex-Inter Miami captain, Gonzalo Higuain.
Miami will be playing in multiple competitions next season, both international and domestic. If the Herons want to win more silverware in 2024, other players on the roster must pull their weight.