Can Inter Miami Survive Without Messi in the Leagues Cup?

Lionel Messi missing out on Inter Miami's debut in the Leagues Cup is a huge letdown for fans. The Argentine star, who turned the team into a sensation since his arrival, is out due to an ankle injury. And it's not just him; midfielders Benjamin Cremaschi and Diego Gómez are also out, representing their nations in the Olympics. The burning question is: can Inter Miami keep the magic alive without its main star?

It's impossible to ignore the impact Messi has had on Inter Miami. Since his arrival, he has not only brought exceptional skills but also boosted the team's morale and attracted global attention. Messi's presence, along with his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, created a fairytale that culminated with winning the Leagues Cup in 2023. That title, clinched on penalties against Nashville SC, was a historic milestone for the club.

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Fast forward a year, and reality hits hard. Without Messi, Inter Miami needs to find a new source of inspiration and leadership on the field. And it's no easy task. Luis Suárez is set to lead the frontline, but the weight of responsibility is enormous.

Puebla, the opponent, might be considered an underdog, but underestimating them would be a fatal mistake. The team finished the Clausura with a disastrous campaign, racking up only one win, fourteen losses, and two draws, and a negative goal difference of 25. However, hope springs eternal. Former Vancouver Whitecaps striker Lucas Cavallini, who returned to Puebla and scored four goals in the last four games, might be the spark that ignites the flame of the unexpected.

Coach Tata Martino faces a monumental challenge. He needs to not only reorganize his team but also keep the spirit and confidence high. And here comes the depth of the squad. With Messi's absence, players like Leonardo Campana and David Martínez, recently arrived from River Plate, need to step up. The defense, often a weak point, needs to be as solid as a rock.

Messi's absence puts Inter Miami in a position similar to what many opposing teams face when playing against him: they need to find creative ways to overcome a significant disadvantage. This is an opportunity for the players to show that the team is not just about one star but about a strong collective.

With 47 clubs participating, including 18 from LIGA MX and 29 from MLS, the competition pauses the domestic leagues for a month of intense battles. The top two from each group advance to the knockout stage, starting on August 7. The prize? Besides the title, a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup for the top three finishers.