Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano has admitted that his side are learning to play differently with Lionel Messi's absence. He claimed that the Argentine maestro was always the one with the eye for the final pass, and now his players need to find a different solution.
In an interaction with the media, Mascherano noted the importance of Inter Miami qualifying for the knockout stages of the Leagues Cup. He is not thinking about long-term, and is analysing opponents game-by-game as they wait for Lionel Messi's return. He said:
"We feel it quite a bit, obviously, because he ends the plays, he starts the plays, and he's the one who has the last pass. But I think we knew how to handle it well, and we anxiously await him getting back on the pitch. Qualifying [for the knockouts] is a very important step for us. Let's see how we work and analyze our next opponents; this is step by step."
Highlighting about the difference of playing with and without the Argentine, he added:
"When Leo is playing, we have a base of space that can open the game many times, right? And that player between the lines that comes in to create the superiority is not forced. It's natural, because Leo is the one that gives us the possibilities; we can play it in a different manner. When he's not there, we need to look for different options."
Inter Miami are back in MLS action this weekend when they lock horns against Orlando City at the Inter & Co Stadium. Lionel Messi will be on the sidelines of the game after getting injured earlier this month.
Inter Miami provide update on Lionel Messi's injury
Lionel Messi suffered an injury in the win over Necaxa was forced to sit out Pumas UNAM. Inter Miami gave an update on the club captain, saying that the injury was to his right leg, and there was no timeline for his return. The statement read:
"Inter Miami CF today has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for Inter Miami CF captain Leo Messi. Messi underwent medical tests to evaluate the extent of the muscle discomfort he experienced during last night's Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, which forced him to leave the field. The results confirmed a minor muscle injury in his right leg. His medical clearance will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment."
Lionel Messi was in amazing form with six braces in his last seven MLS games for the club.