It has been one year since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami and the times have changed drastically. The arrival of Argentine gave them surged fame, increased revenue, and worldwide fandom. More importantly, the club got stronger with the influx of reputed players keeping them on top of the MLS table this season.

However, the arrival of Lionel Messi’s partner in crime in international soccer Angel Di Maria was expected to add a unique flavor to David Beckham’s club. And since it has been made a distant dream, another Inter Miami player opened up and expressed how it could have affected him.

Speaking on the Player Manager Podcast, Julian Gressel was astonished that Di Maria could not make it to Miami. The 37-year-old signed a 1-year extension for Benfica last week. Gressel said, “I’m a little surprised that it didn’t happen because Messi is just kinda getting the band back together,” expecting another reunion of Leo. He then continued, “I mean on the bright side Di Maria would have stolen just a few assists from Julian Gressel,” suggesting that he would have lost out on a few assists.

Meanwhile, Di Maria and Messi’s combination proved lethal on all fronts. They have been winning international trophies together since the Under-20 days. The Benfica player scored a goal in all the finals. They both represented Argentina except for this year’s Copa America. Hence, Gressel may have been thrilled to see them together and hoped they would repeat such heroics in the MLS.

Nevertheless, Tata Martino was already apprehensive about the possibility of Di Maria joining the club because of the MLS rules, which allow a limited salary for players. Already having to offload players due to a salary crunch, it was unlikely for such a player to arrive in the MLS. Meanwhile, the team will count on Gressel as they have to deal with Messi’s absence too.

Gressel filling the gap in the absence of Lionel Messi

Not signing Angel Di Maria would not have mattered as much to the Herons as losing their captain, for an indefinite period. After sustaining an ankle injury in the final, Lionel Messi was expected to miss a couple of games. However, with reports revealing it as a ligament issue, he may have to miss out on a few more games.

But, the unit has done a wonderful job of keeping its place as table toppers without Lionel Messi. And Gressel has played a key part after notching 6 assists and a match-winning goal to help them stay at the top.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami could see Luis Suarez back in the meantime. With his former teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Suarez will play a major part until the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner returns. While fans may feel worried about Lionel Messi, players like Gressel, Robert Taylor, and others have been a source of comfort.