Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return to action with Inter Miami last month having last played for the Herons at the start of June.
Despite the Argentine international making his grand comeback for the Florida franchise, results for Inter Miami have been underwhelming, with Tata Martino’s side drawing their last three games and losing major ground in their bid to make MLS history by setting a new regular season points record.
And Messi’s performances have also come under fire, with MLS expert Matt Doyle saying the forward’s display against New York City FC was his worst since joining Inter Miami, with pundit Andrew Wiebe noting on Saturday that the attacker looked ‘out of character’ against Charlotte FC.
Now, teammate Sergio Busquets has shared what has changed with Inter Miami’s system since Messi’s return.
Busquets says Inter Miami are still adapting to Messi’s return
Speaking to the press, Busquets revealed that the Herons are still trying to adapt to playing with Messi back in the starting XI, with the attacker missing the last three months in which Inter Miami stumbled upon a winning formula.
In Messi’s absence, Inter Miami went on an incredible winning run that saw Martino’s side virtually win the Supporters’ Shield title, with one more result needed for the Florida club to make franchise history.
Which is why Messi’s return has not been as grand as everyone expected, with Busquets admitting that Inter Miami need to adapt more if they’re to get the Argentine playing at his absolute best once again.
Busquets said: “It’s true that with Leo and Luis there’s a change in system, and we have to adapt, but it’s an advantage to have him, and honestly, we need to find him more because we know what he’s capable of doing.”
Messi needs to find his level with the Herons heading into the play-offs
Messi has needed time to adapt back to playing in MLS after some time away from the league, with Inter Miami coach Javier Morales also revealing that the Argentine isn’t even fully fit yet after two months out injured
Yet heading into the play-offs, Messi needs to find his level to start performing again with the Herons if Inter Miami are to stand a chance at winning MLS Cup, the title the squad desire more than anything.
With Messi working his way back to match sharpness, it might not be too long until Inter Miami’s star player is back to his best, and the Florida franchise could become unstoppable as a result.