Inter Miami Star Reflects on Playing Without Lionel Messi Amid Uncertain Future Following Season-Ending Injury

Lionel Messi has truly become the heart and soul of Inter Miami. Without the presence of the Argentine superstar, the Herons find it difficult to maintain their balance on the ropes, leaving them vulnerable on the pitch. This sentiment is echoed by one of Messi’s teammates, Nicolas Freire, who emphasized that the team ‘always‘ misses their skipper when absent.

The defender, whose future remains uncertain due to a season-ending injury, recently shed light on how La Pulga’s absence becomes a major weak point of Tata Martino’s side. Speaking to TJT Sports USA, the Argentinian center-back said, “We always miss Leo when he’s not there. Not only do we miss him, but the opponents also feel it, they always take extra precautions when he’s on the field,” he said. Freire insisted that Miami feels blessed to have the legendary player in its ranks. “The important thing is that he’s here,” concluded the 30-year-old. 

One fine instance of how Miami suffered in the absence of Messi is the recent stalemate against Orlando City last week. However, luck sometimes works in favor of the Florida side, who once clinched a 1-3 victory against DC United back in March. Yet, it’s the 36-year-old forward who has led Miami on his shoulders. Currently, David Beckham‘s soccer franchise is leading the Eastern Conference table with 31 points. But this lead might be in danger very soon!

Messi is set to depart from Fort Lauderdale’s training facilities to reunite with Argentina for the impending Copa America. This lengthy domestic absence may hurt Miami, despite Tata Martino knowing which players he could count on. Certainly, the pink side will be missing their star forward, especially Nicolas Freire who may not get a chance to play with Messi this season anymore!

Nicolas Freire’s injury won’t let him play with Lionel Messi anymore!

Just hours ago, Inter Miami gave a concerning update regarding Nicolas Freire’s injury. As per the club’s website, the Argentinian defender sustained a major knock to his right Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The injury came during Miami’s narrow win over D.C. United on Saturday. The statement further revealed that Freire will undergo surgery and will potentially remain sidelined for the rest of the season.

Notably, Freire joins the likes of Facundo Farias, Diego Gomez, Federico Redondo, Robbie Robinson, and Ian Fray, who are also nursing their respective injuries. Either way, this is quite a huge blow for Miami, especially for Freire. Since he is on loan from Pumas UNAM, he won’t get to enjoy Lionel Messi’s masterclass on the pitch. Let’s hope he recovers quickly to not let that happen.