Taylor Twellman has shared what Inter Miami’s biggest problem could now be with Lionel Messi gone for the Copa America.
The Herons will be without their star attacker for as many as six games with Messi set to captain Argentina in what might be the 36-year-old attacker’s last-ever international tournament.
With Luis Suarez and Matias Rojas also likely to take part in the competition, Inter Miami will be without most of their quality firepower up top, with Messi’s absence alone something the Florida franchise will struggle with.
And Twellman has now addressed what Inter Miami’s main issue will be with Messi gone.
Inter Miami told to adjust defensively whilst Messi is away
Speaking on Twellman’s Takes, the former USA international urged Inter Miami to adjust their defensive tactics in light of Messi’s departure, with the Herons conceding goals for fun this season.
Given how poor Inter Miami’s record is when Messi isn’t available, tightening up at the back could be what’s needed for the Herons to survive this upcoming period without the star man.
Twellman said: “Inter Miami made news last week for not traveling with Messi, Suarez and Busquets to Vancouver to save their legs for the two games at home before the international break, where they will lose Messi and a couple of others. I said six points was a must, they got one.
“Whilst Messi’s two goal contributions moved him to 25 this season, becoming the fastest player in MLS history to reach that mark, I remind everyone that with Messi leaving, Inter Miami have played 14 games without Messi and won only three, so Tata Martino has to figure out tatically how to protect the backline that has been exposed in transition, and how do they stop leaking chances.”
Herons could have to revamp their tactics with Messi gone
Inter Miami’s defense this season has been, on the whole, a bit of a laughing stock, with the Herons conceding an astonishing 27 goals in 18 matches, the sixth-worst record in MLS.
Having scored a league-high 42, though, Inter Miami can given the benefit of the doubt it when it comes to their shady defensive record, yet that all changes this summer with Messi and friends gone.
Without the Argentine to rescue them, Inter Miami could have to consider a revamp to their tactics, with the defense now under the spotlight to perform with the talismanic attacker now gone for over a month.