With concerns over Lionel Messi’s injuries, Sergio Busquets has begun encouraging his Inter Miami colleagues to shoulder more duties and assist the team in tough times. As a veteran player, Busquets understands the magnitude of teamwork; especially when their star player is not fully fit. He wants the team to work together and encourage the squad through these trepid times.

The Argentine icon’s presence in the team was a big plus, considering the team did not have successful MLS campaigns before that. The arrival of Messi in the picture skyrocketed their chances in the league. They started to look like a team that can win the MLS.

Significantly, Busquets shared his thoughts in a recent press meeting. He said, “He still has a little bit to go to be 100%. He always wants to be there and he helps us a lot.”

“It is true that with Leo and Suarez there is a change in the system and they have to adapt to the team, but I think we did that at the beginning of the season before he got injured. For us, his presence is an advantage and adaptation will come naturally with time. We know the superiority he gives us and what he is capable of doing. We have to do a better job of finding him in a closer area to score.” Busquets said clearly.

For Miami fans, it’s been great to see him play for them. But playing many matches in a short time seems to have affected him. Messi hoped to restart after recovering from his past ankle injury. But it was clear he was unfit and still needed rest.

Inter Miami must step up as Lionel Messi battles fatigue in pursuit of MLS Cup

Inter Miami’s assistant coach Javier Morales just revealed Messi appeared to exhibit signs of fatigue during the game against Charlotte FC. The Argentine needed time to get used to playing in MLS again. He was away from the league for a while, after sustaining an injury at the Copa America final.

He was out for 2 months!

Yet as Inter Miami prepares for the playoffs, Messi needs to play well again if they want to win the trophy. This is the title the team wants more than anything. When that happens, Miami could then become unstoppable and probably win the MLS Cup.

The task is clear. Each Inter Miami player should do their best. As Busquets points out, relying on only one player is terrible for building a successful team over time. The closest to it was when Robin Van Persie led Arsenal to a top finish during his last season with the Gunners. In hindsight, it never happens. It’s about setting up an environment where everyone brings in their part and the load is evenly balanced.

As the next match against Columbus Crew looms, all eyes will be on Messi’s status; but equally important will be how Inter Miami responds to Busquets’ challenge.