Inter Miami secured their second win of their pre-season tour with the Herons beating Universitario de Deportes on penalties.
Having already bested Club America earlier this week after an exciting shoot-out win following a 2-2 draw, Inter Miami once again had to turn to penalties to bag another win, with Javier Mascherano’s side keeping a clean sheet in the process.
With Inter Miami fans impressed by Noah Allen’s performance, the Florida franchise are looking sharp and fit ahead of the start 2025 season next month, with reigning Supporters’ Shield holders also expected to bring in some new faces before the opening game against New York City FC.
One interesting note that came out of last night’s draw was who Mascherano views as the leaders in the Inter Miami dressing room, with Lionel Messi handing the captain’s armband to a fan favorite after the Argentine was brought off with 20 minutes to go.
Julian Gressel took Inter Miami captain’s armband after Lionel Messi substitute
As spotted by TV cameras, midfielder Julian Gressel was given the captain’s armband after Messi was brought off in the second-half, with the USA international seemingly viewed as one of the new leaders in the Herons’ squad.
With Gressel tipped for a surprise exit from Inter Miami this January, the former Columbus Crew and Atlanta United star being handed the armband could strongly suggest that the German-born midfielder could actually be set to stay in Florida this winter.
Indeed, Gressel was one of Inter Miami’s best signings last year as the versatile midfielder established himself as a regular under Tata Martino, with the former DC United star the fourth biggest assist maker in the squad in 2024.
And with Gressel taking the armband from Messi last night against Universitario, the two-time MLS Cup winner could be staying put at Chase Stadium heading into the 2025 season, a decision that could end up being huge for Inter Miami.
What was said about Gressel at Inter Miami last season?
With 40 appearances in all competitions last season, Gressel was the most used outfield player for Inter Miami in 2024, with the midfielder featuring for the Herons across the entire pitch from right-wing to right-back to in the middle of the park.
And as a result, the 31-year-old MLS veteran was widely praised for his performances last season, with Kieran Gibbs naming Gressel as one of Inter Miami’s most underrated players having proved himself a worthy member of the squad.
Moreover, taking the armband last night could be significant for Gressel, who next season could be one of Inter Miami’s most important players after a fantastic 2024 with the Herons under former manager Martino.