“Get the Ball to Our no.10”- Lionel Messi’s 26YO Teammate Lays Bare Inter Miami’s ‘Identity’ Stressing on Attack, Amid Criticisms for Shambolic Defense

Inter Miami is rewriting the playbook in the world of soccer. Despite criticism for lackluster defense, their identity centers around emphasizing the attack. A 26-year-old teammate of Lionel Messi offers an insightful take on the club’s strategy to dominate on and off the ball.

Following a successful run in the Leagues Cup under the captaincy of La Pulga, Inter Miami recently faced the New York Red Bulls. This game marked Messi’s debut in an MLS league match. 

Redefining identity with Lionel Messi

In the match against New York Red Bulls, Messi demonstrated his scoring prowess yet again. His pivotal contribution ended the team’s 11-match league winless streak. Leading them to a resounding 2-0 victory over the Red Bulls. Since the Argentine’s arrival, Inter Miami has not experienced a single loss. His remarkable performances have garnered immense enthusiasm from fans and teammates.

In a recent interview, Inter Miami’s defender Kamal Miller shed light on the club’s identity shift. He stated, “Our identity is to dominate the game as much as we can, on and off the ball, play in the opponent’s half, get the ball to our No. 10, attack from there…We know our strength is to attack, not to defend.” 

This sentiment encapsulates how the arrival of Lionel Messi has catalyzed a significant transformation within the club. Inter Miami’s defensive struggles remain evident despite signing Jordi Alba as a defensive reinforcement. Miami fans are now urging David Beckham to buy new defenders, preferring Messi’s former teammate.

Also Read: “Give Him the Ballon d’Or Now” – Lionel Messi Scores on His MLS Debut in Inter Miami Win Over New York Red Bulls Sending Fans Into a Frenzy

The club currently stands with a -12 goal difference in the Eastern Conference table, having scored 24 goals while conceding 36. However, Messi’s presence has cast a positive shadow over these defensive challenges. 

Defensive woes and Messi’s impact

The impact of Messi’s arrival is visible on and off the pitch. With an unbeaten record in the MLS, Inter Miami is now reaping the rewards of “Messi magic”. His 100% win record and 11 goals in just 9 games have elevated the team’s performance to unprecedented heights. Beyond statistics, Messi’s influence resonates in every aspect of the game.

While Messi’s contributions are undeniable, his potential absence during international duties poses challenges for Inter Miami. Messi’s call-up to represent Argentina could leave the team without his presence as the World Cup qualifiers approach. Coach Tata Martino has urged the team to become accustomed to winning without solely relying on Messi. This shift necessitates a collective effort to maintain the newfound winning momentum.

As we reflect on Inter Miami’s evolution under Messi’s influence, a question emerges: Can the team sustain its new success without its star player? What do you think? Let us know!

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