Kieran Gibbs has not named Lionel Messi as the Inter Miami player who changed the game against the New York Red Bulls.
The Argentine international enjoyed his best game yet for Herons with Messi breaking the MLS record for most assists in a single game with five, with the 36-year-old also scoring a goal of his own in a 6-2 win for the Florida franchise.
With all six goals coming in the second-half, it was a remarkable comeback from Inter Miami having struggled in the first 45 against the Red Bulls, a team who this season have been one of the best in MLS.
Yet Gibbs believes one player was essential to the comeback, and it wasn’t Messi.
Matias Rojas praised for inspiring Inter Miami to win 6-2 vs New York Red Bulls
Speaking on the Inter Miami Weekly Show, Gibbs named Matias Rojas as the player who sparked Inter Miami’s comeback against the Red Bulls after coming on at halftime and scoring two fantastic goals in the second-half.
Gibbs said: “It was Rojas, for me, who really sparked the comeback, what an impact he’s had in the two games he’s played. He looks so relaxed the way he gets the ball out of his feet.”
With Luis Suarez also lauding Rojas and Tata Martino winning praise for his decision to bring the 28-year-old forward on, it’s no real surprise why the Paraguayan international has been highlighted as the game-changer for Inter Miami, who up until his introduction were struggling.
Gibbs added: “When you have Suarez who’s up there on his own sometimes, you need that midfielder who’s going to break forward and go beyond the backline, and he’s really good at that. I really like his balance, his technique, he seems like a very cultured player, he’s going to have a great season”
Rojas already looks like a bargain signing for Inter Miami
Signed as a free-agent last month, Rojas is already turning out to be one of Inter Miami’s best additions in the Messi era of the club even after just two games played with the Herons.
Rojas showed real quality in his two goals scored against the Red Bulls, and the Paraguay international is seemingly loving life already in Florida with the likes of Messi and Suarez and Inter Miami.
With Rojas able to play numerous positions in the midfield and the attacker, Inter Miami have a real gem on their hands, and the 28-year-old will be key in the Herons’ push for MLS Cup later this year.