Former Canada international Kaylyn Kyle has given her verdict on if Inter Miami have what it takes to win Leagues Cup even without Lionel Messi.
The Herons captain is set to miss the competition opener this weekend against Club Puebla, with Messi injuring his ankle in the Copa America final against Colombia, ruling the Argentine international out for MLS All-Star week.
With Inter Miami the reigning Leagues Cup holders, retaining their title without Messi would be quite the achievement for the Florida franchise, who have impressed without the star forward for the past month in MLS.
And pundit Kyle has shared if Inter Miami can win Leagues Cup even without Messi.
Inter Miami tipped to win Leagues Cup despite Messi injury
Speaking to MLS’s official website, Kyle gave her support behind Inter Miami winning Leagues Cup this year, even if Messi was to miss a good chunk of the tournament due to his ongoing ankle injury.
With the emphasis on Leagues Cup significantly greater for Inter Miami this year, going as far as possible in the tournament should be a clear objective for the Herons, with keeping Messi another priority for the Herons.
And given how deep Inter Miami’s squad is, there’s a real chance that the Florida franchise can make a statement yet again in the competition, especially with Tata Martino’s side in fantastic league form.
Kyle said on if Inter Miami can win Leagues Cup this year: “Without a doubt, it’s Inter Miami. There are question marks about Lionel Messi and if he’ll be healthy and ready to go. But they have so much depth and so many key pieces that I think they’ll repeat.”
Herons winning Leagues Cup back-to-back would be incredible
Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup triumph last year was the dream start to the Messi era of the club, with the Herons proving that they can beat the best in North America on their day.
And winning back-to-back titles would be quite the achievement for Inter Miami, especially with the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup on the table later this season.
Indeed, the Herons have shown their true quality in recent weeks without Messi, and if Inter Miami can continue their form, Martino can once again send a huge message to the rest of MLS that the Florida franchise are here to make a statement.