Lionel Messi was back in Inter Miami’s starting XI for this weekend’s MLS tie against New York City FC.
Having failed to score or assist the previous night against Atlanta United, Messi again drew a blank as the Argentine international struggled at the infamous Yankee Stadium, a pitch where a number of MLS teams and players have struggled over the years.
It wasn’t a game to forget for Messi, though, as the 37-year-old played in Jordi Alba in the second-half to allow the defender to find Leonardo Campana for the opening goal of the game, with Inter Miami conceding a 95th-minute equalizer to see the points shared.
Yet it appears that Messi’s role against New York City went to plan for Inter Miami.
Inter Miami and Messi told to target New York City’s defense
Speaking to MLS Wrap-Up, Sacha Kljestan revealed that Julian Gressel told him how Inter Miami and Messi set-up their attack, with the Herons targeting New York’s defense and looking to exploit certain players at the back.
Kljestan said: “Julian Gressel actually told us that this was where they wanted to exploit the New York City defense when they see that Tayvon Grey has a runner in behind, his body positioning is not good, Messi to Alba to Campana, we’ve seen it before and we’ll see it again, really well done.”
With Messi likely frustrated that he didn’t get an official goal contribution, the Argentine played a key part in Inter Miami’s sole goal of the game, with the Florida franchise still in the driving seat for the Supporters’ Shield title.
And with Inter Miami returning to Chase Stadium next weekend, Messi will be fired up to get a few more goals and assists under his belt, with the veteran attacker having four regular season games left to boost his numbers.
Messi has four games to make MLS history
With double digits already in goals and assists in 14 MLS appearances this season, it’s safe to say that Messi has adapted to life at Inter Miami with incredible ease even with his fitness and attendance problems.
And with four regular games left to go, Messi will be aiming to make as much history as possible with Inter Miami having shattered numerous records with the Herons already this season.
Indeed, no goal contributions in the past two games is rare for a player of Messi’s otherworldly abilities, and with a return to Florida on the cards next weekend, the Argentine will be keen to get back to his scoring and assisting ways.