Messi out, Inter Miami vs Orlando 0-0: Recap, analysis

Inter Miami got a glimpse on Wednesday night of what June and July will be like when Lionel Messi heads off to play for the Copa America; And one thing remained clear: The team has trouble scoring and winning without him.

Messi was not on the Inter Miami game roster for the midweek road game against Orlando City due to a knee injury, ending a six-game series in which the Argentina captain played more than 90 minutes. They missed their teammates and had to be content with a 0-0 draw.

It was the second time in 14 games this season that Miami was held scoreless. With Messi in the lineup, the team had scored 19 goals in the last five matches, all wins. With Messi, Inter Miami is averaging more than two goals per game. Without him, less than one goal per game.

“Without Leo, it is impossible to have the ability to play the last 25 meters of the field,” said Inter Miami coach Tata Martino. “Inter Miami felt like this (tonight) and Barcelona felt like this 10 years ago. For all the good work he did in the buildup, he needed to find solutions in tight spots on the field. We were missing that (Wednesday).

“On the other hand, we were organized, we had good ball circulation… and defensively, we were a solid team, and that’s what I understand because we allowed goals in all but two games and in this “In the game, at a tough place to play a tough opponent against, we were able to keep it to zero.”

Although it is not a serious injury, and Messi participated in light training on Monday and Tuesday, he rested and did not travel to the state rivalry game.

Inter Miami have three games in a week, the next game will be on Saturday at home to D.C. United, and the Copa America begins next month, so it makes sense that Messi, approaching his 37^th Birthday, will try to avoid fatigue and further injury.

Martino said, “Leo had some discomfort, but he trained every day, we did tests and they all turned out very good.” “Even after playing three games in a week, he was still in some pain, we felt it would be wise for him to sit out this game. His plan is to play on Saturday, but we will take it day by day. He trained again (Wednesday) and felt good, but we will not take any risks. We’ll see how he feels on Thursday and Friday.”

Messi has four Inter Miami games remaining before joining Argentina for this summer’s Copa America. Argentina are the defending World Cup and Copa America champions and playing in the Copa is a priority for Messi, as it could be his last tournament.

He was replaced in the starting lineup by recently signed Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas. Rojas was impressive in his first few games with the team, scoring two goals in a 6–2 defeat of the New York Red Bulls and a spectacular free kick goal against Montreal. But this night, he was kept in check.

Miami’s other starters were: Drake Callender, Tomas Aviles, Nico Freire, Franco Negri, Sergio Busquets, Julian Gressel, Benjamin Cremaschi, Marcelo Weigandt, Luis Suarez, and Robert Taylor. Jordi Alba returned after missing three games due to a hamstring injury and came on as a sub for Negri in the 64th minute. Leo Afonso and David Ruiz were late replacements for Taylor and Cremaschi.

Callender made two big saves in the first half to keep Miami in the game. He blocked Martin Ojeda’s shot in the 32nd^Ra Minutes, which Negri then cleared from a dangerous area. Two minutes later, Orlando had another great chance to score, but Callender made a diving save from Luis Muriel’s shot.

Callender, who could be called up by the U.S. national team for the Copa America, stressed before Wednesday’s game that Miami’s defense needs to perform better after keeping just two clean sheets all season. . They got the shutout they were hoping for, which Martino said was his most satisfying accomplishment from the game.

“I’m happy with our shutout, some great play from Drake and the three good chances we created,” Martino said. “Considering all that, the tie is fine.”

Martino brushes off Keylor Navas rumors

There have been summer transfer rumors circulating about some big-name keepers linked to Inter Miami, including Costa Rican national team goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Martino dismissed those reports.

“Keylor Navas is an elite goalkeeper with a brilliant career, and I want to clarify, because in the last week various names have been coming up, but at the moment we are not thinking about it, because there are still two goals in the next match. There are months left.” The transfer window opens,” said Martino. “Also, we are not thinking about changing our keeper; we have a great keeper and a great captain. Unless (Callender) gets an offer to go abroad He will have to evaluate what will be better for his future, but we are not looking for a new keeper yet.”

Luis Suarez, who leads MLS with 11 goals in 12 games, scored twice in a 5-0 home win over Orlando in early March, but it was a quiet night for him on Wednesday and he was fouled by Leo Campana in the 64th minute. Gave it.

Miami remains on top of the MLS Supporters’ Shield race with 28 points on eight wins, two losses and four ties. The team in pink had won five consecutive games before Wednesday’s match.

orlando city 10^th Tied in the Eastern Conference with three wins, five losses and four ties. Orlando has won only one of its first seven home games this season.

Upcoming schedule of Messi, Inter Miami, Copa America

If Messi figures, his plan is to play against DC United at home on Saturday. After that the team plays in Vancouver on May 25 and at home against Atlanta on May 29. There is another home game against St. Louis on June 1, and then on June 3 the FIFA window opens when national team players are invited to the Copa. America will start reporting to the camp. The Copa America begins with Argentina vs. Canada on June 20 in Atlanta and the final on July 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

This story was originally published May 15, 2024, 7:43 pm.