The Impact of Lionel Messi’s Absence on Inter Miami

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on in the second half during a match between Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium on September 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on in the second half during a match between Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium on September 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Major League Soccer (MLS) witnessed an exciting clash between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City, but there was a notable absence that didn’t go unnoticed: Lionel Messi, the global soccer superstar. The Argentine player was absent, representing his national team in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This absence inevitably raises questions about the impact Messi has on Inter Miami’s performance and how his absence might affect the team in the future.

In a league that has sought to grow in terms of prestige and the quality of the game, Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami was one of the biggest stories in MLS in recent years. His signing brought a wave of excitement and interest, both from fans and the media. Messi is a global football force, a player whose name transcends the sport and has become a cultural phenomenon. His presence on the team not only boosted Inter Miami in terms of visibility but also brought expectations of immediate success.

As we saw in the clash against Sporting Kansas City, Messi’s absence was felt. Inter Miami had to find a way to perform without their most renowned and talented player. The game was full of emotions, and the team managed to secure a narrow 3-2 victory. However, by observing the match, it’s clear that Messi’s influence on the team’s dynamics is undeniable.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 03: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF battles against Ryan Hollingshead #24 of Los Angeles FC in the second half during a match between Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium on September 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 03: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF battles against Ryan Hollingshead #24 of Los Angeles FC in the second half during a match between Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium on September 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Messi is not only an exceptional goal scorer but also a leader on the field, capable of creating unique opportunities for his teammates. His ability to control the game, create space, and make precise passes is unparalleled. The absence of such a player leaves a void that can be difficult to fill.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Inter Miami showed its resilience by securing the victory, demonstrating that it doesn’t solely depend on Messi for positive results. Other players, like Campana and Farías, stepped up and contributed significantly to the team’s win. This can be interpreted as a positive sign that the team is evolving and adapting to the reality without Messi.

Looking ahead, Inter Miami faces the challenge of managing fan expectations and the pressure to continue excelling in the MLS. Messi’s absence in certain matches due to international commitments or injuries is something the team will have to handle effectively. This may involve the development of alternative strategies, the promotion of young talents, or the pursuit of reinforcements that can partially fill the void left by Messi during his absence.

Lionel Messi’s absence in the Inter Miami match against Sporting Kansas City highlights the importance of this player for the team and the league as a whole. Even though the team secured the victory, the absence of the Argentine superstar is undeniable. The challenge for Inter Miami is to find ways to maintain success and competitiveness even when Messi is not available. This could be the key to determining the team’s course and its role in an increasingly competitive MLS landscape.