With Lionel Messi Injured, Inter Miami Teammate Highlights His Crucial Role in Instilling Winning Mentality Ahead of NY Red Bulls Clash

Inter Miami gears up for another showdown as they prepare to face the NY Red Bulls on Saturday. Following a remarkable comeback against DC United in the absence of injured Lionel Messi, the Herons will look to maintain their winning momentum. While La Pulga is again slated to miss the weekend clash, his teammate buzzes with confidence, crediting the team’s success to La Pulga’s ‘great winning mentality’ fostered in the Miami locker room.

Ahead of the MLS match, CJ Dos Santos was asked if it was becoming normal for him and his teammates to have Messi as a teammate. Interestingly, the Miami goalkeeper denied it, revealing that it never became ordinary for him as he grew up watching the Argentinian star. “You look at them and have that bit of shock, like, ‘Oh, I am playing with him,'” he said. Then, the 23-year-old quickly acknowledged the presence of La Pulga and the Barcelona trio of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. 

“They brought in a great culture, a great winning mentality—family mentality, family culture into the locker room and we all appreciate them. They’re great people with great families, great backgrounds, so we really all appreciate them and I as well,” added Dos Santos. The reporter also asked the goalkeeper if his perception of them had changed from afar to now being teammates. Remarkably, Dos Santos replied that from idolizing them to sharing a meal with them, they become ‘even larger than life.‘ He further expressed his happiness about sharing a locker room with such ‘great personalities’ in a ‘very camaraderie’ environment. 

Certainly, these words will bring contentment to Lionel Messi’s face. Unfortunately, the skipper won’t be able to be there for his side. Speaking of which, what’s the update on his injury? 

When will Lionel Messi return to action? 

Lionel Messi was sidelined against DC United because of a muscle injury. Notably, the Argentine will not only be absent from the upcoming NY Red Bulls match, but he will also miss this month’s international friendlies against El Salvador, coinciding with Miami’s Saturday fixture, as well as the March 27 fixture against Costa Rica. Notably, Messi’s absence in the DC United game wasn’t unexpected.

He appeared uncomfortable in the previous CONCACAF match against Nashville SC, being substituted in the 50th minute despite performing well and scoring. While fans hoped it was merely a precautionary measure to rest the superstar, Tata Martino confirmed the unfortunate news of Messi’s absence because of an ‘overload’ in his leg. Nevertheless, let’s hope that Inter Miami can secure victory in Messi’s absence, drawing strength from the winning mentality he has instilled within the team.

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