Messi's return, will he steal Suárez's thunder?

Crazy how things change, huh? Just a year ago, no one would've pegged Inter Miami as a team capable of shaking things up in Major League Soccer. They were still building, didn’t have a real identity yet, and it kinda felt like they were just using Messi’s shine to grab some attention. But hey, soccer’s a wild ride, and what’s happening with Inter Miami in 2024 is just another reminder of that.

Here’s the kicker: while Messi’s been off the pitch for nearly three months, the team didn’t just survive—they thrived. And a lot of that’s thanks to the magic of another superstar: Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan, who many thought was washed up, has shown he’s still got fire in his boots and that killer instinct in his eyes. Two lightning-fast goals in six minutes against FC Cincinnati didn’t just secure the win—they locked in a playoff spot, a feat that seemed pretty far-fetched just a few months ago.

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It’s kinda funny when you think about it. While everyone was waiting for Messi to be the hero, Suárez stepped up and made people wonder: can Inter Miami be just as deadly without Messi as they are with him?

Now, don’t get me wrong. Messi’s Messi. He’s like the sun in our solar system—everything revolves around him, and for good reason. But here’s the plot twist: even without the Argentine on the field, Inter Miami didn’t just keep up—they hit another gear. Seven wins in eight league games without him. That’s not luck; that’s the sign of a team that figured out how to regroup, tighten up, and trust the rest of its talent.

Behind it all, there’s Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. This guy, with all his experience, managed to get the best out of the team even when things seemed to be falling apart. He kept them focused, disciplined, and, most importantly, able to adapt without losing their essence. It’s that classic story of a coach who moves the pieces just right and gets the best outcome—something not many expected to see this soon at Inter Miami.

With Messi out, players who used to be in the background started stepping up. Suárez, of course, was the headline-grabber, but guys like Diego Gómez, Matías Rojas, and the tireless goalkeeper Drake Callender all shined too. This crew proved that Inter Miami is more than just a one-man show.

Now, with Messi about to return, the million-dollar question is: what’s next for Inter Miami? Is Messi gonna overshadow the progress the team made without him? Or, better yet, is his return gonna be the final piece that turns this squad into an unstoppable force in the playoffs?

Messi’s comeback is gonna be explosive. With the team flying high and Messi fully recovered, Inter Miami’s chances of steamrolling the competition just got a whole lot better. But, and this is a big “but,” this is where things could get tricky. Suárez, who’s been the star while Messi was sidelined, will have to step back into a supporting role or at least share the spotlight. And we all know, big players’ egos can be a handful, especially when the stakes are this high.

Still, if there’s anyone who can balance all this, it’s Martino. He’s worked with both before and knows how to handle their personalities.

The talent, the experience, the hunger—it’s all there. And what’s fascinating is that, for the first time, we’re seeing that they could actually be real contenders for the MLS title, even with the fierce competition.

And when you throw guys like Suárez, Busquets, and Messi together on the same team, the expectations skyrocket. Sure, we don’t see these “dream teams” come together every day, but when it happens, the impact is immediate. It’s great for the league, for the fans, and even for those who still think the MLS doesn’t have much clout on the global stage.

But here’s the deal: all this success will only really matter if Inter Miami lifts that trophy at the end of the year. Anything less, with a roster this stacked, will feel like a waste. It’s like having a Ferrari in your garage and only taking it out for a quick spin around the block. Does that make any sense?

Inter Miami’s at a crossroads now. With Suárez carrying the team and Messi coming back to complete the puzzle, they’re on the brink of making history. They could not only break the MLS points record but also clinch their first MLS Cup title.