Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut is edging ever closer, but the MLS outfit are showing little sign of improvement after going 10 games without a win.
WHAT HAPPENED? The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has revealed that he will be linking up with the David Beckham co-owned franchise as a free agent – with interest from Barcelona and the Middle East being snubbed in order to chase the American dream. Messi is, however, not expected to make his bow for new employers until a Leagues Cup opener with Cruz Azul on July 21.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Inter Miami have one more MLS fixture to take in before then, against St Louis City, and will be desperate to snap a sorry run of results in that contest. They were held to a 2-2 draw by Wayne Rooney’s D.C. United last time out, with the lead surrendered on two occasions in Washington.
AND WHAT'S MORE: Despite now reaching double figures in terms of matches without success, as they remain rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference and eight points adrift of the play-offs, there were positives for Miami to take against D.C. as two academy graduates — Benjamin Cremaschi and Noah Allen – scored their goals and six homegrown stars took to the field in total.
WHAT THEY SAID: Interim Inter Miami coach Javier Morales – who is preparing to hand the reins to former Barcelona and Mexico boss Tata Martino – told the club’s official website of seeing young stars shine: “We had five [academy products] on the field, and we finished with six, and it wasn’t because I was coaching the academy. I'm so proud, I'm so happy to give those players the opportunity. They had DPs on the field, and we had the [academy products], and the kids competed.”
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Taylor ➡️ Benja for his first MLS goal!
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