Things are heating up in the MLS for Inter Miami in their bid to qualify for the playoffs. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner, Lionel Messi, has ignited a huge wave of interest in soccer in America since his move from PSG earlier this summer. However, recently, he has struggled with injury. Now, an ESPN pundit reckons that Messi needs to play through injury and needs to be risked by Inter Miami.

Messi has scored 11 goals for Inter Miami this season, but has been on the sidelines after what was earlier reported as ‘muscle fatigue.’ But it’s clear that Inter Miami are struggling without their talisman. Now, according to ESPN FC pundit Janusz Michallik, Messi has to be risked by Tata Martino and the Miami club in what remains of the season because of all the money behind his move to the MLS.

ESPN FC pundit reckons Lionel Messi needs to play through injury for Inter Miami

Speaking on the ESPN FC podcast, soccer pundit Janusz Michallik had his say on the situation Inter Miami is currently facing with Messi.

On the show, Michallik said, “I mean they’ve paid so much money, of course there’s no question in my mind he’s got to play. He plays for Inter Miami and you know they spend millions and millions and millions, gazillions of dollars, so he’s got to play if there’s an opportunity. They have four games left by the looks of it they’re probably gonna have to run the table anyway so after that once they’re in the playoffs of course that’s almost like a new season.”

Messi hasn’t played for the Miami club since being substituted in the 37th minute against Toronto on 20 September. However, it’s fairly certain that Inter Miami might risk Messi in what remains of the season to keep their playoff hopes alive. But just how important is Messi to the David Beckham-owned MLS club and what is Inter Miami’s record with and without Messi?

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Inter Miami’s record with and without Messi

Inter Miami’s record since Messi joined the club is strikingly impressive. Inter Miami is unbeaten with Messi on the pitch and has won 11 games, drawn 1, and lost 0 in 12 games in all competitions with the Argentine. Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s record without Messi reads – 1 win 2 draws and 2 losses, including the US Open Cup final loss against Houston Dynamo.

Inter Miami currently is in 13th place in the Eastern Conference table, 4 points, and 4 places behind the last playoff spot which is currently held by Montreal who are in 9th. Nevertheless, with 4 games left to play in what remains of the MLS season, Inter Miami will probably have to play Messi if they aim at achieving the outside chance of making the playoffs.

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