Messi Off the Field? Can Inter Miami Survive Without Its Star?

What now, Inter Miami? Lionel Messi might be out for longer than expected

Atlanta United FC v Inter Miami CF
Atlanta United FC v Inter Miami CF | Megan Briggs/GettyImages

The Argentine genius is facing a tense moment off the field. The news that Messi should be recovered by early September to participate in the next FIFA dates with the Argentine National Team has caused quite a stir. But what does this really mean for Inter Miami and, of course, for the fans?

Messi, the maestro of the field, the man who turns the game into art, is dealing with a recovery that will keep him away from games for at least another month. It’s a hard blow for Inter Miami, which saw Messi as the hope for a team revolution.

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Messi’s ankle injury during the Copa America seems serious enough to keep him out of matches for that long. The expectation is that he will be fit again by early September, ready to wear the Argentine National Team jersey and shine in upcoming international competitions. And here’s the irony of fate: while Inter Miami fans lament his absence, Argentinians are counting the days to see him in action again for La Albiceleste. It’s like a hero torn between two worlds, both needing his magic.

But let’s talk about the impact of this prolonged absence. Inter Miami, a relatively new team in the MLS, invested heavily in signing Messi, hoping he would bring not just talent, but also notoriety and a new era of success. With Messi out, the team loses its main star, and this can affect not only the performance on the field but also the team’s morale and the fans' enthusiasm.

And what about the sponsors and broadcasting rights? Messi’s presence at Inter Miami raised the team's interest to stratospheric levels. With him out, there’s a cloud of uncertainty about how this will affect the club’s visibility and finances. Fans, eager to see Messi in action, might feel unmotivated to follow the games, resulting in a drop in viewership and possibly marketing revenue. It’s a domino effect, where the absence of a key piece can destabilize the whole structure.

On the other hand, the news that Messi might be ready for international competitions in September brings some relief. The Argentine National Team, the current Copa America champion, counts on its captain to lead the team in World Cup qualifiers and other important tournaments.

Messi’s recovery is awaited with the same anticipation as a child waiting for Christmas. Every update on his health is scrutinized, and every day without him on the field is a day of frustration for many.

This forced break might be an opportunity for Messi to recharge his energies, both physically and mentally. The frenetic pace of high-level soccer takes its toll, and time away from the field might allow him to come back even stronger and more motivated.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami will have to find ways to adapt and survive without its main star. This means other players will have to step up and fill the void left by Messi. It’s a chance for the team to show it’s more than just one player, that there is enough talent and determination to face challenges without relying solely on one star.

For Inter Miami fans, all that’s left is to hope this period of uncertainty passes quickly and that Messi returns to the field, bringing with him the magic and excitement that only he can provide.