August slipped away into a moment in time, but there is still no sign of Lionel Messi. The Argentinian superstar is nearing almost two months of absence for Inter Miami ever since he got involved with Argentina for Copa America duties. While the Herons are trying to pull off quite well in his absence, rival FC Cincinnati star DeAndre Yedlin reveals how it has affected the ambiance of every match, mostly leaving fans ‘disappointed.’

Full attendance, sold-out stadiums just days before the match, and constant noise—that’s what all has been missing since Messi hasn’t stepped up on the pitch. “It’s no secret that everyone wants to see Messi play,” said Yedlin before Inter Miami’s clash vs Cincinnati and as compiled by journalist Favian Renkel. “If it’s announced that he’s playing and if he’s playing, whenever and whatever, stadium is sold out.”

Messi isn’t the only star to don the pink jersey. Renowned names from La Pulga’s former club FC Barcelona including Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are some of the names that too have their own fandom. However, even the combined fanbase of this trio can’t match the cult that Lionel Messi possesses.

“If he’s not playing, people are disappointed, Even if they get to see Suarez, Busquets, Alba… people want to see Messi,” concluded Yedlin, who made a switch to the Ohio-based club earlier this summer. The former Miami skipper got the chance to spend a season with Messi. He also lifted the Leagues Cup alongside the former PSG star and knows what kind of fan magnet the 37-year-old is.

Surprisingly enough, the 21,550-seater Chase Stadium was almost sold out with an attendance of close to 20,106 during Miami’s 2-0 win over Yedlin’s Cincinnati. Yet, fans were visibly distraught over the absence of the star of the team. In almost every matchday, banners of “Where is Messi?” are waved high by ardent supporters. While it remains to be seen when he’ll return, the important thing is that Miami is doing pretty well in his absence.

No Lionel Messi? No problem for Inter Miami, unlike fans

In the last 9 MLS matches during the absence of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami have registered 8 victories, losing just one. Tata Martino’s side successfully managed to retain their place at the top of the Eastern Conference, enjoying a current tally of 59 and an eight-point gap against the second-placed team. They are getting closer and closer to achieving their dream of winning their first-ever MLS shield.

Interestingly, aside from collective achievement, individual brilliance is also buzzing within the ranks of the Florida-based club. Luis Suarez has been firing all cylinders despite the absence of his partner-in-crime. The Uruguayan is currently running for the MLS top scorer race with over 16 goals in his account, tied alongside LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, and a goal behind RSL’s Cristian Arango and DC United’s Christian Benteke.

Additionally, the likes of Julian Gressel, Matias Rojas, and Robert Taylor are also rising to the occasion to keep Inter Miami dominating in their domestic pursuits. However, the presence of Lionel Messi is much anticipated and he shall quickly recover from his ankle injury not just for his team but also to reignite the passion among the ardent fans.