MLS Media Day: Tata Martino Discusses Leonardo Campana’s Future After Luis Suarez’s Arrival at Inter Miami

Amid last year’s ‘Messimania’ in Inter Miami, Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana stood the ground and scored for the side when it mattered the most. At 23 years of age, Campana is indeed a vital force Tata Martino could bet on for the foreseeable future. Has Luis Suarez‘s arrival to the forward fleet put the 23-year-old’s prospects in dubious light? During the MLS Media Day, Martino laid bare if he would snub Campana to make room for Suarez or not.

The Leonardo Campana-Luis Suarez conundrum became the talking point during Tata Martino’s conference. Interestingly, he doesn’t treat the issue as a conundrum, rather, he regards it as a blessing. “We have two strikers of a very high quality. It’s possible that the team has a chance of having both players on at the same time,” Martino said referring to Leonardo Campana and Luis Suarez.

Leonardo Campana joined Inter Miami in 2022, in a loan move from the Swiss side Grasshopper. A year later, in January 2023, the Ecuadorian striker made his deal permanent with David Beckham‘s franchise. He currently occupies a Young Designated Player spot in the club’s roster. Furthermore, he has signed a contract till the end of the 2025 season, with a player option for one year. Therefore, Tata Martino is hellbent on continuing to bet on the youngster who could later be the face of the team. Besides, the 23-year-old has already established a great strike partnership with Lionel Messi.

Why Leonardo Campana would play alongside Luis Suarez in the forward fleet

Before Lionel Messi’s arrival, Leonardo Campana spearheaded Inter Miami’s attack as their #9. The player broke through in Miami during his loan stay after a hat-trick showing against the New England Revolution. Even after Messi’s arrival, the Ecuador star proved worthy to the Herons. It was Campana’s brace that gave Inter Miami some breathing space in the semi-final against FC Cincinnati. Inter Miami eventually won the game on penalties. And it was Leo Messi who set up Campana to score twice.

READ MORE: Days After Bagging Luis Suarez, Inter Miami Eye Philippe Coutinho to Join Lionel Messi: Reports

That match saw how well Messi and Campana complement each other in Miami’s forward lineup. It is to this lethal mix that David Beckham has added Luis El Pistolero Suarez. The Uruguayan and Campana have both shown versatility as wingers. Though not natural wingers, the two have played makeshift roles. Therefore, Martino could deploy either of them in the winds if he is resorting to his classic 4-3-3 formation. If that is the case, Campana is likely to side to a winger’s role as he is much younger, and can develop himself as a winger in the years to come. What are your thoughts on Inter Miami’s lethal front line? Tell us in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams