When Inter Miami signed Lionel Messi last summer, it was a seismic moment for Major League Soccer as a whole. The arrival of one of the greatest of all time sparked major interest from fans throughout the globe. However, lately, Messi has been absent from the Miami squad due to a persistent leg injury. As Inter Miami prepares to face off against Chicago Fire in their upcoming MLS League clash, the Argentine’s absence casts a shadow of uncertainty over the Miami side. But, according to the words of the Chicago Fire boss, there’s more to this narrative than meets the eye.

As the Chicago Fire boss was speaking ahead of the MLS game against Inter Miami, he emphasized the greatness of the Inter Miami squad, and surprisingly compared it with one of the greatest teams of the NBA. Let’s hear what the coach has to say on the recent developments.

Chicago Fire’s boss compares Inter Miami to Chicago Bulls

As Chicago Fire prepares to host Inter Miami for the MLS game at Soldier Field, their head coach and boss Frank Klopas was speaking to the press ahead of the clash. He drew an intriguing parallel when discussing Inter Miami’s situation. As reported by Men in Red 97 Media, Klopas likened the current Inter Miami squad to the Chicago Bulls, a team that experienced both triumph and challenges during Michael Jordan’s tenure.

Chicago Fire boss claimed that despite the absence of their star player Lionel Messi, the Herons are still a great team. He stated, “Even when he’s not on the field, I think that they’re still a very good team. They made some really excellent additions in a secondary window.”

“I can compare it [to] the Chicago Bulls. When Michael Jordan didn’t play, they still had a very good team. But then you have Michael Jordan and maybe they’ll win eight in a row. So I think Miami is still a very, very good team with some excellent players, but then you have the icing on the cake, that when Messi plays, he’s one player that will always give you an edge at any moment,” Klopas added.

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Klopas’ comparison between Messi and Jordan sheds light on an interesting perspective. While David Beckham’s Inter Miami remains a good team with a talented roster, there’s no denying that Messi’s presence adds an unparalleled edge. The Chicago Fire boss acknowledged that while Inter Miami can hold their own without Messi, his inclusion transforms them into a potential powerhouse.

Inter Miami’s woes without Lionel Messi

Inter Miami has been on a rollercoaster ride this season and much of its performance hinges on the availability of their Argentine star. Messi has been absent from the Miami squad for the past four games, and the impact of his absence has been palpable, with Inter Miami struggling to secure victories in his absence. Their recent results, includes a 5-2 loss, 1-1 draws, and a 2-1 Open Cup final defeat, that underscores the challenge they face without their star player.

When Inter Miami face the Chicago Fire without Messi, they will be facing a team that is also in need of a win. Inter Miami are currently sitting four points below Chicago Fire with a game in hand. Although, they’ll be without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are still favorites for the game. Fire will be looking to exploit his absence and get a positive result.

Chicago Fire understands the challenge they face, and the fans, while missing Messi in the flesh, will undoubtedly be treated to a thrilling contest. As Inter Miami are hoping to challenge for the MLS play-off spot, it is yet to be seen whether or not the Herons can overcome the absence of Lionel Messi.

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