Inter Miami show they can ‘do it without’ Lionel Messi & Luis Suarez as Julian Gressel & Leo Afonso react to losing ‘best players in the history of their position’ to Copa America

Inter Miami show they can ‘do it without’ Lionel Messi & Luis Suarez as Julian Gressel & Leo Afonso react to losing ‘best players in the history of their position’ to Copa America

Inter Miami have shown they can “do it without” Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, but the “best players in the history of their position” are a big miss.

  • Superstar forwards on international duty
  • Will miss several weeks of MLS action
  • Herons battling bravely in their absence
Lionel Messi Luis Suarez Inter Miami 2024

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Herons knew heading into the 2024 MLS campaign that they would be losing two talismanic figures to the Copa America midway through their domestic season. Messi was never going to turn down the chance to defend a continental crown with Argentina, while Suarez has been drafted back into the Uruguay squad.

Lionel Messi Luis Suarez Inter Miami 2024

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Herons knew heading into the 2024 MLS campaign that they would be losing two talismanic figures to the Copa America midway through their domestic season. Messi was never going to turn down the chance to defend a continental crown with Argentina, while Suarez has been drafted back into the Uruguay squad.

Miami v Philly Split

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Leo Afonso was the Herons’ hero in Philly, as he netted a 94th-minute winner, and he has said of adjusting to life without Messi and Suarez in Tata Martino’s side: “It’s difficult when you’re missing the best players in the history in their position, but we have to keep working and we have to try our best.”

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Messi and Suarez could be missing for several weeks yet, with Copa America yet to get underway, but Inter Miami remain at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference for now. They will be back in action on Wednesday when playing host to the Columbus Crew.