Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith has given his reaction on taking on Inter Miami this week without Lionel Messi in the squad.
The Herons have been without their talismanic captain for the last three games, with Messi, Luis Suarez and Matias Rojas away at the Copa America, with Inter Miami coping well without three of their star attackers.
Inter Miami have won their last three games and maintained their spot at the top of the MLS Supporters’ Shield, with Tata Martino’s side arguably looking as good as they have all year, a feat that is quite incredible given that there’s no Messi or Suarez to call upon.
And Smith has now shared his verdict on facing Inter Miami without Messi tomorrow.
Charlotte manager admits he’s happy about facing Inter Miami with no Messi
Speaking to the Charlotte Observer, former Aston Villa manager Smith admitted that he’s more relieved about facing an Inter Miami side without Messi than with the Argentine featuring in the matchday squad.
With Charlotte sat in sixth place in the Easter Conference standings and in good form at home this season, Wednesday’s trip to North Carolina is going to be a difficult one for Inter Miami without Messi or Suarez.
And with Smith talking a big game already about facing the Herons without their star attacker, Inter Miami could have to brace themselves for a tough game on the road, where Charlotte will be looking for all three points.
Smith said: “[Messi] is one of the best players in the world, so [I’d] much rather play a Miami team that hasn’t got the best player in the world in it. [Inter Miami is] the team who are top of the table at the moment and in good form, so it’s our opportunity to test ourselves against the best.”
Inter Miami have enough in their squad to claim another big win
Inter Miami have already overcome three big tests this summer since Messi’s exit for the Copa America, and the Herons have more than enough in their squad to claim another big win.
The Florida franchise are in good form and have claimed two impressive road results in their mini-run of form, with the likes of Julian Gressel and Leonardo Campana stepping up big time.
And against Charlotte, Inter Miami will have the quality needed to get another three points, where a win will again be huge for the Herons in their quest to win the Supporters’ Shield this year.
