MLS legend Bradley Wright-Phillips has claimed Inter Miami are starting to solve one of their ‘biggest problems’ when Lionel Messi isn’t playing.
The Argentine international missed Saturday’s 13-hour round trip to Canada as Inter Miami took on the Vancouver Whitecaps, with the Herons coming away with an impressive 2-1 win on the road.
With Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets all remaining in Florida, it was quite a result for Inter Miami given how often Tata Martino’s side have struggled in the last 12 months when the Argentine isn’t playing.
And Wright-Phillips now believes Inter Miami are finding a solution to one of their main issues.
Inter Miami squad players are now stepping up in Messi’s absence
Speaking on MLS Wrap-Up, the New York Red Bulls icon praised Inter Miami’s squad players for stepping up on Saturday with Messi not available, with the Herons impressing on the night.
Goals from Robert Taylor and Leonardo Campana secured a big win for Inter Miami, and the duo showed why the Florida franchise could now in when Messi isn’t around to play.
Wright-Phillips said when asked how Inter Miami stepped up to the occasion: “It’s the biggest question we had for Inter Miami, what do they do when the stars aren’t there?
“And too often we saw, especially when Messi wasn’t there, they couldn’t get a win. But now we’re seeing the supporting cast come on and make a difference, it’s what they need going down the stretch.”
Inter Miami have never looked better after Vancouver win
Ten games unbeaten and top of the Supporters’ Shield standings, Inter Miami have never looked better after taking three points away from Vancouver without their three star players.
With Messi and Suarez expected to compete in the Copa America, Inter Miami showed in British Columbia they can still be a threat in MLS when the two superstar attackers are away from the squad.
And heading into the summer, Inter Miami look primed to keep their unbeaten run going, with some big games coming up as Messi and Suarez look to win silverware with their national team.