Inter Miami will be eager to bounce back following their goalless draw against Orlando City. While the team is still on an unbeaten run, their attack fell flat in the absence of Lionel Messi. La Pulga was absent from the game after picking up a knock against Montreal, which saw him nurse his knee following the game. According to reports, the team management is yet to make a final decision on his availability against DC United, despite sweating it out in training.

While talking with the media about Messi following the training, Martino stated, “He trained well Thursday. We expect he will again (Friday). We will decide his availability after training, but we are optimistic regarding the game Saturday. There was no intention for Leo to miss the game for load management; he felt fine, but he couldn’t maneuver his leg will with the injury, and still has a slight discomfort in that area.”

Sources believe that Tata Martino will decide on Messi as early as his upcoming press conference. Fans will hope that the Inter Miami captain is fit and can take to the field against DC United. Messi has been the team’s top goal contributor this season, with the Argentine already crossing the double-digit mark.

Can Inter Miami get past their reliance on Lionel Messi?

The game against Orlando City exposed a lot of shortcomings for Inter Miami. Tata Martino and his men have lacked the deadliness in their attack without Lionel Messi. With La Pulga on the field, most of the opposition’s defenders have the tendency to gravitate towards the Argentine, creating a space for other Inter Miami players. However, with Messi off the field, no other player on the team has been able to create the threat factor to put a defensive backline in doubt.

While Luis Suarez and Matias Rojas have put on some impressive performances, fans will expect the other players on the team to step up to the challenge. With team management uncertain about Lionel Messi’s availability, Miami could risk washing hands with their unbeaten streak. Fans will be eager to hear an update from the manager in the coming hours, with a lot dependent on the Inter Miami head coach’s decision.

Do you think Inter Miami will risk playing Lionel Messi against DC United? If the Argentine does not play, does Inter Miami have what it takes to win without their captain? Sound off in the comments below.