Inside Inter Miami: Was the club playing better without Lionel Messi? Heresy!
What’s wrong with Inter Miami since Lionel Messi’s return?
They’re not losing. But one win and three draws continues to delay efforts to lock up the Supporter’s Shield and home field advantage throughout the upcoming MLS playoffs.
On the latest episode of Inside Inter Miami, hosts Michelle Kaufman and Andre Fernandez discuss Messi and whether (hard to fathom) the team plays better with him or without him.
Messi has three goals and three assists in the four games since he returned from injury. But the team tied again last week against Charlotte. We review that result and Kaufman speaks to Sergio Busquets about how the team has had to adjust tactically since his return.
Busquets also spoke about having to play center back, the challenges that come with that and how he is often farther away on the field from Messi.
Also, we look ahead to Wednesday night’s showdown vs. the reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew. Inter Miami can secure the Supporter’s Shield with a victory and three points, but coach Tata Martino - as he has a lot this season - believes the Crew are his team’s toughest roadblock.
Messi will play against Columbus for the first time since joining Miami.
Also Kaufman scolds these child “field invaders,” who keep disrupting games by running onto the field. What can be done to dissuade?
And keeper Drake Callender talks about fatherhood and balancing it and the game.
Remember, you can watch this show on YouTube and on our site at miamiherald.com. The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple podcasts, and most other platforms where you listen to your pods. Thank you for watching and listening, and enjoy!
This story was originally published October 2, 2024 at 4:00 AM.
