The Inter Miami Recap: Messi, Busquets, and Leagues Cup Glory? | The Heron Outlet
As we head into the new week, here's your weekend Inter Miami recap.
(photo credit: Inter Miami CF)
*Welcome to The Inter Miami Recap, a brand new series here at the Heron Outlet where we will review all the happenings at Inter Miami from the previous week.*
Messi and Busquets Make Debut
The past week has been eventful for Inter Miami.Â
Not only did they introduce the signings of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets to a crowd of 20,000+ people at an event dubbed The Unveil, but the ex-Barcelona duo also made their debut for the club against Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.Â
Messi and Busquets were substituted in the 54th minute in what was a historic moment for Inter Miami and MLS.
On the pitch, the duo were serene. Busquets held his ground firmly in the midfield, while Messi weaved past the defenders of Cruz Azul with ease.
In the 94th minute of the game, the night reached its culmination when Messi was fouled on the edge of the 18-yard box. He then went on to score one of his signature free kicks, resulting in a 2-1 victory for Miami, their first since June 7th against Birmingham Legion FC.
Miami Have A Chance To Top Their Leagues Cup Group
(photo credit: Inter Miami CF)
Miami has a chance to win their Leagues Cup group if they’re victorious against Atlanta United on Tuesday.
Thanks to Messi's impressive performance in the previous game, Miami could also earn the privilege of hosting their matches until the quarterfinals.
The upcoming match will be of great importance for Miami, as they have been facing many difficulties on the field since the start of the season.
Miami's 2023 season has been marred by numerous injuries to key players, a coaching change, and subpar on-field performance.
The Herons currently sit last in the Eastern Conference and are 12 points back from a playoff spot.
It's possible that the Herons could salvage parts of this season if they make it far in the Leagues Cup and also reach the US Open Cup final, in which they are currently in the semi-finals.
This would be a great accomplishment in an otherwise lackluster season on the field, prior to the addition of Messi and Busquets.