Julian Gressel and Leonardo Campana acknowledge that Inter Miami can’t always depend on Lionel Messi as they navigate life without the legendary Argentine player.
1. Nursing minor injuries throughout their career
2. Prioritizing careful management of fitness
3. Juggling international commitments alongside club responsibilities
What happened?
Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is a true icon at Chase Stadium and the main attraction in MLS. However, at 36 years old, he is starting to experience minor injuries that he has managed to avoid throughout his illustrious career.
WHAT GRESSEL SAID.
Messi missed Inter Miami’s recent MLS match due to injury, but they still managed to secure a 3-1 victory against D.C. United. Julian Gressel, a star of the US Men’s National Team, expressed to reporters after the game that it was a significant win considering the challenging circumstances. Despite a short rest, a tough week, and having to travel, the team fought back from being down 1-0 and played exceptionally well, especially after the initial 15-20 minutes. Winning and earning three points without Messi is a testament to their resilience and something they can take great pride in.
There will be times when players are away for national team duties, such as upcoming events like the Olympics and Copa America. During these periods, we understand the importance of relying on the entire squad and playing through those moments together. It’s all about teamwork and making the most of our collective strength.
The bigger picture.
Campana, who found the back of the net in the victory against D.C. United where Luis Suarez also scored twice, emphasized the importance of others stepping up in Messi’s absence. While acknowledging Messi’s significance to the team, Campana highlighted the need for the rest of the squad to take charge. He praised Suarez’s exceptional performances in the league, scoring goals and enjoying his role on the team. Campana expressed happiness seeing Suarez thrive alongside Messi and their friends, knowing that he is content and enjoying his time with the team.
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & INTER MIAMI?
Inter Miami is currently leading the MLS Eastern Conference, having secured 10 points from their first five games. The team’s priority will be to support Messi’s recovery and ensure he returns to full health for the upcoming back-to-back matches against New York rivals. It seems unlikely that Messi will join his national team for international duty during this time. The team is determined to take care of Messi and maintain their strong position in the league.
