Inter Miami’s busy schedule continues as they prepare to face the New York Red Bulls in their next MLS fixture. The team has recently completed a run of three games in just eight days, showcasing their resilience and dedication.
During their break from MLS fixtures, Inter Miami achieved a significant milestone by winning the Leagues Cup. The addition of superstar Lionel Messi to the team undoubtedly played a crucial role in this success. The Argentine forward led the team to victory, leaving fans excited about what he can bring to the club.
Furthermore, Inter Miami has also reached the final of the U.S. Open Cup, scheduled to take place at DRV PNK Stadium on September 27th. This is a remarkable feat for the team, as they continue to make waves in American soccer.
However, coach Tata Martino faces the challenge of managing player fatigue, particularly with Messi, who has played a whopping 684 minutes since joining the team. The coach must find a balance between utilizing Messi’s skills and ensuring his well-being.
In terms of the MLS standings, Inter Miami currently finds themselves 14 points behind the line for ninth place and a playoff spot. Their upcoming matches against the New York Red Bulls, Nashville SC, and Los Angeles FC will be crucial. These teams are known for their quality and will provide tough opposition for Inter Miami.
To adapt to these challenges, Martino made changes to the team’s formation, employing a new 3-5-2 setup against FC Cincinnati. This decision was influenced by player rotation and minutes management, a testament to the coach’s tactical flexibility.
However, injuries have also been a concern for the club. Key players like Sergio Busquets and Sergiy Kryvtsov picked up knocks during the Open Cup final. Martino must carefully manage their fitness to ensure they can contribute effectively to the team’s playoff push.
With the Leagues Cup already secured, Inter Miami can now shift their focus solely towards MLS play. The Open Cup competition will not resume for another month, giving the team an opportunity to concentrate on climbing up the standings.
One player who has shown immense potential is 20-year-old Facundo Farias. The new signing from Colon has impressed as a creative force during the Open Cup final. His ability to directly threaten opposing defenses will be crucial in the upcoming match against the New York Red Bulls, offering hope for Inter Miami to turn their league form around.
Although fans may hope for Messi to make his MLS debut in the starting lineup, it is unlikely. Instead, young players like Farias will play a vital role in Inter Miami’s playoff chances. Martino must effectively manage both competitions and player fitness to keep the team in contention for a playoff spot.
