Tata Martino has chosen two Inter Miami players who might replace Lionel Messi while the attacker is gone for the Copa America.
The 36-year-old forward is set to miss up to six matches for the Herons, with Argentina among the early competition favorites for this summer’s Copa America, which will be held in the United States.
With Luis Suarez expected to be chosen to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay team, Inter Miami will be absent a number of key players in June and July, with Drake Callender and Benjamin Cremaschi also vying for US call-ups.
However, Martino appears to have a strategy in place for how Inter Miami would adapt without Messi.
Leonardo Campana and Robert Taylor earmarked to replace Messi
Speaking to the press after Inter Miami’s 1-0 win against DC United, Martino highlighted how Leonardo Campana and Robert Taylor are two players who will be key in replacing Messi this summer.
The two forwards have impressed in patches since the Argentine’s arrival last year, with Campana scoring the winning goal on Saturday with a sensational strike in stoppage time.
And this summer could see Campana and Taylor become two hugely influential players for Inter Miami, with a drop off in form expected from the Herons with Messi and company away.
Martino said: “We are going to suffer during the Copa America, but we have to know how to suffer, Leo Campana’s goal will give him confidence. Players like him, and Robert Taylor will be fundamental in this period.”
Damage limitation will be key for Inter Miami during the Copa America
Inter Miami’s record with and without Messi makes for telling reading, with the Herons simply unable to function at their maximum potential when the Argentine isn’t in the squad.
And this summer, damage limitation will be key for Inter Miami if they’re to keep their status as the Supporters’ Shield leaders intact.
Indeed, Messi’s absence will be big for Inter Miami, and Martino will have his hands full in working out plans to keep the Florida franchise ticking until the Argentine returns in July.
