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Despite having soccer greats like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez on their roster, the recent game between Atlanta United and Inter Miami served as a sobering reminder of the difficulties facing the Herons.

The 3-1 victory of Atlanta versus Inter Miami at Chase Stadium brought to light serious problems for the Miami club, especially with regard to attacking production and consistency.

This is a detailed analysis of the events that took place during the match and its wider ramifications for Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi starts for Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United! pic.twitter.com/XEOzaqPo98
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) May 29, 2024

After being winless in their previous ten games, Atlanta United overcame Inter Miami, forcing the home crowd to leave before the 75th minute.

Even with Messi, Suárez, and Sergio Busquets returning in the starting lineup, Inter Miami was unable to muster any attacking momentum.

The team’s total expected goals (xG) for the entire game was a pitiful 0.64, and they managed just seven shots in the second half.

Messi and Suárez, with xG scores of 0.18 and 0.26, respectively, were unable to have a notable effect.

Inter Miami’s Offensive Struggles and Consistency Issues

Against Atlanta, Inter Miami, who had previously in the season displayed a promising offensive surge, seemed lifeless.

As the postseason draws near, this inconsistency makes one worry about their performance. With 19 goals in five MLS games between April 14 and May 12, the squad raced to the top of the standings.

But the recent slump in performance, which includes four goals in the previous five games, is concerning.

Miami failed to penetrate a well-organized defense in their previous game, a close 1-0 victory over D.C. United, and needed a late goal from Leonardo Campana to seal the victory.

This was in stark contrast to their previous 3-1 triumph over the same team in March, when Miami demonstrated a strong and well-organized offensive.

Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United https://t.co/aOqne9cr8Y
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 30, 2024

Atlanta took advantage of Miami’s defensive errors, scoring twice through Saba Lobjanidze and once more through Jamal Thiare following Messi’s equalizer.

Messi’s first club loss since Barcelona’s May 2021 loss to Celta Vigo, when he scored, occurred in this encounter. Concerns are still raised about Inter Miami’s defensive play, especially when things get tight.

Tactical Adjustments and Player Utilization

While acknowledging the team’s advantageous circumstances before the game, Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino also saw the need for improved consistency and tactical modifications.

Miami was unable to take use of their depth even with a strong bench that included players like Leonardo Campana, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Matías Rojas.

GOLAZO del capitán para acercarnos en el marcador 💥⁰#VamosMiami! pic.twitter.com/4nyf4Gc26o
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 30, 2024

Martino’s rotational approach hasn’t always worked well, particularly when the timetable is busy. For example, the squad has performed particularly poorly in midweek games, winning just one of the six this season.

This pattern implies that Miami has trouble keeping up with the physical demands of a busy schedule and load management.

With 34 points from 17 games, Inter Miami now sits atop the Eastern Conference standings, a considerable increase from their 2023 campaign.

But as the club gets closer to the playoffs, their inconsistent play could prove to be a liability. Due to the first-round best-of-three series in the playoffs, Miami has found it difficult to maintain consistent high performance.

Noting that a successful regular season does not equate to postseason success, Martino underlined the significance of continuing to play well into the postseason.

This idea is emphasized by historical examples, including as St. Louis City’s early playoff departure in 2023 despite winning the Western Conference.

The Messi Factor and Team Dynamics

Without a question, Messi’s presence has improved Miami’s performance and profile, but depending only on his genius is not a long-term plan.

To handle the demands of the playoffs, the squad needs to become more resilient and united. It is imperative that other important players like Suárez and Busquets are skillfully incorporated into the team’s tactical scheme.

The recent loss of Inter Miami against Atlanta United brings to light important problems that the team needs to resolve if it is to advance to the playoffs.

Although having players like Messi and Suárez gives the squad a significant edge, there are still questions about the team’s general consistency and resilience under duress.

In the upcoming weeks, Coach Gerardo Martino’s tactics and the players’ flexibility will be crucial in determining whether Miami can convert their success during the regular season into a long playoff run.

To succeed, Inter Miami must ultimately strike a balance between using their star strength and creating a strong, stable team dynamic.

Their fortitude, tactical adaptability, and capacity to deliver when it counts will all be put to the test on the path to the MLS Cup.

*This Article was written by Anmol, author @09sports.com

Three of Inter Miami’s main players—Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets—will be absent from their team’s upcoming MLS matchup against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The three would miss Saturday’s game, according to manager Gerardo Martino, because of the team’s full schedule.

Inter Miami sits at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with 31 points from 15 games.

Despite their strong position, the team has opted to travel to Vancouver without Messi, Suarez, and Busquets, a decision made in light of their demanding schedule.

The match, projected to draw over 50,000 people, will proceed without these big players, as Miami prepares for two critical home games next week.

Martino clarified on Friday, “We felt it was the most prudent for them not to play this match.” The player’s health and well-being must come first, he stressed, even though the fans’ annoyance is understandable. “They have been training, but they will not be available for the game.”

Prioritizing The Players Health First

Martino emphasized that the lengthy flight and the three-hour time difference had more of an impact on the choice than the artificial turf at BC Place.

“It goes without saying that we are aware of how frustrated fans are when certain guys don’t play. As coaches, we occasionally have to make these really tough football decisions.

However, the athletes’ health must always come first,” he said.

Messi has been a standout player this season despite missing prior MLS matches in Orlando, New York, and Washington.

The 36-year-old leads the league in assists with 12 and has scored 10 goals in 10 MLS appearances.

In order to guarantee Suarez and Busquets’ availability for upcoming crucial games, Martino emphasized the significance of monitoring his own fitness as well as theirs.

The MLS Scheduling Challenges

Martino also mentioned the difficulties with logistics brought about by the MLS schedule.

He mentioned that the league usually schedules another road game close by or stays away from scheduling midweek games for clubs that have traveled great distances.

But he clarified, “It’s not a complaint.” “We are aware that the players we are discussing are crucial to everyone in our particular situation. However, these players’ health comes first.”

MLS responded to the matter by releasing a statement in which it acknowledged that fans were disappointed when their favorite players are unavailable.

“Each MLS club makes its own personnel and competitive decisions based on what they believe is in the best interests of the club and each player,” said the statement.

Top Reactions from Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini voiced his disappointment at the absence of the key trio.

“It’s a bummer like for everyone else,” Sartini remarked. “You would love also the opportunity to have the possibility to play against a lot of very strong and quality players and arguably probably the best player in the last 20 or 30 years. But it is what it is. The main focus is playing well.”

Axel Schuster, the chief executive of the Whitecaps, had previously raised the possibility that the three would miss the game.

“While we haven’t received an official update on the availability of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets for this weekend, we understand they will not make this trip,” Schuster stated.

He acknowledged the disappointment this would cause fans but emphasized that the situation was beyond their control.

Fan Compensation Efforts

In an effort to lessen the disappointment of supporters who bought tickets thinking they would witness Messi, Suarez, and Busquets, the Whitecaps have revealed plans to improve matchday activities.

The club will provide complimentary kid’s meals in addition to a 50% discount on food and drinks. “We know that there will also be a lot of disappointed fans,” Schuster stated. “We’re still determined to give everyone a memorable experience. The mood and celebration of soccer for our community will remain fantastic.”

Final Thought

The choice by Inter Miami to bench Messi, Suarez, and Busquets highlights the difficulties in maintaining a top player’s fitness level in the face of a demanding schedule.

In order to win in Vancouver and hold onto their dominant position in the standings, the club will try to rely on their depth and other important players.

Fans will have to wait a little while longer to see their idols return to action.

It is hoped that the time off given to their best players would pay off, enabling Inter Miami to welcome Atlanta and St. Louis next week with rested and productive players.

For now, the focus remains on navigating the demands of the MLS schedule while prioritizing the health and performance of their star-studded lineup.

This article was written by Priya Singhania, Author @09sports.com