Lionel Messi’s Absence Not a Big Problem for Inter Miami, Claims Jordi Alba After MVP Performance Against St. Louis

Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team co-owned by football legend David Beckham, has been making waves this season with impressive performances on the pitch. As of now, the team holds the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings, marking a significant improvement from their inaugural season in 2020. However, Inter Miami faces an upcoming challenge as their star player and captain, Lionel Messi, will be absent due to international duties with Argentina during the Copa America tournament.

Messi's impact on Inter Miami has been undeniable since joining the team last year. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner brought a level of expertise and talent that instantly elevated the team's gameplay. His presence on the field has been crucial, with his creativity and goal-scoring abilities contributing significantly to Inter Miami's success.

However, Jordi Alba, Barcelona and Spanish national team defender, and a teammate of Messi's at both clubs, expressed confidence that Inter Miami can manage without their captain during this period. In an interview following his Most Valuable Player (MVP) performance against St. Louis City SC on May 14, 2023, Alba stated, "Lionel's absence won't be a significant problem for Inter Miami."

Alba's optimism stems from the team's collective strength and the emergence of other key players stepping up to fill the void left by Messi. Players like Gonzalo Higuain, Lewis Morgan, and Robbie Robinson have shown promising form this season and have contributed to the team's offensive output. Additionally, the team's solid defense and goalkeeping have been crucial to their success, providing a strong foundation for the team to build upon.

Inter Miami's upcoming matches during Messi's absence include games against New York City FC on May 20 and Atlanta United on May 24. The team will need to rely on their depth and teamwork to maintain their position at the top of the table during this period.

In conclusion, while Lionel Messi's absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field, Jordi Alba's confidence in the team's ability to cope without their captain is well-founded. The collective strength and depth of Inter Miami's squad, along with the emergence of key players, should help the team navigate this challenging period.