By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
Inter Miami had a rough pre-season. And we’re not just talking difficult, we’re talking full-blown ROUGH. They racked up the air miles as they embarked on a world tour in three different continents yet it just did not go to plan. They got battered by a Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr, 6-0. They failed to score in either of their first two games to El Salvador and Dallas FC. In fact, the only team they beat was Hong Kong. Even after that game, there was controversy as the Hong Kong government requested an official explanation from The Herons as to why Lionel Messi wasn’t playing. Since then, every fan has had a 50% refund on their ticket.
But despite all that, there was hope for Inter Miami’s MLS season. The dodgy pre-season results could be attributed to jet lag and a host of other factors. The MLS was where the superstar side would shine. Luis Suarez had reunited with Messi. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets were now settled in the 305 and The Herons had made substantial additions to their squad over the transfer window. They were the bookies’ favourites for the MLS, and are still, but Inter Miami’s start to the season has left something to be desired. So what’s going on?
Inter Miami started the MLS season off with a bang. Their quartet of superstars all started their opening game at home to Real Salt Lake, and they won 2-0. The team looked well-gelled and they dominated the Utah away side from start to finish. They then headed to a tough away game at LA Galaxy where they came out of it with a point, thanks to an injury time by none other than Lionel Messi himself. It was back to winning ways against Orlando, as Messi and Suarez scored two apiece to solidify their status as the deadliest attack in the MLS, and probably in MLS history, even at their ripe ages. Things were looking exciting for Inter Miami.
Unfortunately for Miami, when your star players are all above the age of 35, injuries are inevitable. Even more unfortunate for Miami, the first one this season came to their talisman and the GOAT, Messi. The Argentine suffered a muscle injury to his right leg and when The Herons welcomed Orlando for a Miami Derby, they faltered and lost 3-2. Messi returned for a CONCACAF Champions Cup game in which they prevailed against Nashville, thanks to goals from both Messi and Suarez once again. Yet that seemed to re-aggravate his injury and Messi remains on the sidelines once again.
In his stead, Miami have beaten DC United away but they crumbled away in New York to the Red Bulls, a team whose star players include Cristian Benteke and Mateusz Klich, losing 4-0. Next, they welcome the other New York team, New York City, in another test without their Argentinian wizard.
Luis Suarez has been excellent for Miami, although he can often be more effective as a sub. As detailed by 365Scores in the summer, Suarez finds it incredibly difficult to prepare for matches due to his recurring knee injuries. He often looks like he’s running at half-speed on the pitch, but when he’s in front of goal, El Pistolero is as lethal as ever. He’s had six shots in the MLS this season, all six have been on target. Four of them have been goals. Combined with Messi, the pair treat the MLS how they treated the Champions League in 2015. It’s a joy to watch.
Another top acquisition for Inter Miami has been the Argentinian wonderkid Federico Redondo. Signed from Argentinos Juniors in February, he is a maestro in the midfield. He controls games, passes with precision and care, and is extremely difficult to tackle. He reminds some fans of a young Sergio Busquets, who luckily just happens to be playing beside him. With his tuition and guidance, Redondo will thrive.
As previously mentioned, Miami host New York City next before they host Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Messi is expected to return for this game. With Messi fit, Redondo whirring youthfully in the midfield, the Barcelona trio adding doses of immense quality and a feel-good factor remaining high, Inter Miami should well win the MLS this season. If they can add the CONCACAF Champions Cup to that as well, it will mark an incredible season and may well mark the retirements of some legends. Let’s see!
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