Nicolas Freire has revealed what Inter Miami players really feel when Lionel Messi isn’t available to play.
The Herons have enjoyed much more luck this season in the Argentine superstar being fit for selection, with Messi missing just six games so far this year and making 13 appearances in all competitions scoring 12 and assisting 11.
With the Copa America on the horizon, though, Messi could miss as many as six games for Inter Miami if Argentina go far in the competition, with the Herons in need of picking up as many points as possible before the forward’s departure.
And Freire has now detailed what the dressing room thoughts are when Messi can’t play
Freire shares how Inter Miami ‘miss’ Messi when he isn’t available
Speaking to TJ Sports, the on-loan Pumas defender revealed that Inter Miami do indeed miss Messi when the attacker isn’t playing, with the Herons’ results painting a picture that they are reliant on the forward.
Whilst Inter Miami were held to a 0-0 draw last week against Orlando City SC as Messi was rested, it’s clear that the Florida franchise need to find a way to win without the star forward and club captain.
And for the likes of Freire at the back, missing a presence like Messi gives opposing players confidence that Inter Miami can be beaten, with the Herons two MLS defeats coming when the attacker is not fit.
Freire said: “We always miss Leo when he’s not there. Not only do we miss him, but the opponents also feel it, they always take extra precautions when he’s on the field. The important thing is that’s he’s here.”
Inter Miami have to learn to win without their star player
Messi is as game-changing a player as they come in MLS, with no player in the division as efficient or as deadly on the ball than the Inter Miami superstar.
Which is why the Herons have to learn how to win when the club captain is out injured or unavailable due to international commitments, which will happen this summer.
Whilst Inter Miami have other players who can win games on their own, none are as good at is as Messi, and the Florida franchise must learn how to pick up wins when the 36-year-old isn’t around.
