Inter Miami are yet to lose a game in which Lionel Messi has featured for them and are heavy favorites as they travel to take on FC Dallas in the Leagues Cup round of 16.
There were heavy expectations when Messi announced his decision to join Miami, and so far, he has delivered. The Argentine has amassed six goal involvements in three games, but the more impressive feat is how he’s improved his teammates’ game.
Robert Taylor and Josef Martinez have both contributed in attack in the competition after a slow start in MLS this season, and seeing Messi lead the way must instill confidence in the Inter Miami squad. The transformation within the squad (which was expected given the level that Messi is still at) has been remarkable, and forwards and defenders alike have been in top form since the 36-year-old made his debut a couple of weeks ago.
Miami boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino might look to add some experience in his starting lineup with Jordi Alba coming into the mix. The longtime Barcelona and Spanish national team player made his debut against Orlando City and could find himself starting Sunday night.
GK: Drake Callender – The 25-year-old has been one of Miami’s best and most underrated players in 2023 in MLS and Leagues Cup. He’s conceded just twice and also saved a penalty kick against Atlanta United.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin – The steady, reliable full-back that Martino can have assurances about in his backline as well as going forward.
CB: Serhiy Kryvtsov – He struggled against Orlando and was isolated against their tricky wingers at times, but Dallas doesn’t have the same profile of players he’ll come up against.
CB: Kamal Miller – Arguably Miami’s best center-back at the moment, Miller has performed consistently at a high level so far in the competition. No brainer.
LB: Jordi Alba – The Spanish international could be in line to make his first start for the Herons after coming off the bench for roughly 30 minutes against Orlando City.
CM: Dixon Arroyo – While he isn’t an exciting name on the team sheet, Arroyo helps keep the side ticking in the midfield. If his form starts to drop, new signing Diego Gomez could take his place in the middle of the park. But for the time being, Arroyo has his place in the starting XI.
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CM: Sergio Busquets – A true midfield general, and it seems like he hasn’t broken a sweat yet. Like Messi, Busquets has incredible vision and can see passes before most players on the field can.
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi – The most attacking midfielder out of three listed, he continues to improve with each passing game. It won’t be long until links from clubs abroad start to appear with the youngster’s name.
RW: Lionel Messi – Five goals and one assist in three games with Miami. He makes everything look so effortless and has great chemistry already with Martinez and Taylor. What more is there to say?
ST: Josef Martinez – The Venezuela international is slowly regaining the form that saw him capture the 2018 MLS Golden Boot. Last time out, he notched one goal and one assist and looks set to continue in the same way as the games roll on.
LW: Robert Taylor – Before Leagues Cup and Messi’s debut, not many people knew of Taylor. But he has announced himself to the world, scoring three goals alongside two assists thus far.
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