MLS
Facundo Farías impresses for Inter Miami without Lionel Messi
Without Messi, Farías has managed to lead Inter Miami to another MLS victory, bringing the dream of the play-offs closer.
Despite still being without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami can boast that they are still on an unbeatable run of form. The Florida club managed to turn around a key match for their MLS play-off aspirations against a direct rival, Sporting Kansas. With Messi still on international duty with Argentina, waiting to find out whether or not he will travel to La Paz with the rest of the squad or return to Miami early, Inter had to call on their players waiting in the wings to continue their winning ways. One of those new faces who appears to have gotten off to a flying start at the MLS club is Facundo Farías.
Top European clubs show interest
The former Colón player managed to win the praise of onlookers and strangers alike during his time in the Argentinian football elite, being one of the most interesting prospects of his generation and even attracting the attention of big European clubs (Atlético de Madrid, PSG, Leverkusen...) when he was still in his early twenties. However, a knee ligament injury kept him sidelined for almost a year.
With the ghost of the injury passed, Farias has gradually adapted to the direct style of play of Tata Martino. His dizzying speed make him a player capable of unlocking tight games. In only his third appearance in the pink shirt, Farías managed to score his first goal against LAFC.
Farías steps up
Just when Inter Miami needed a new hero, Farías stepped up to the plate. In a crucial match for the Florida club, without their best players due to the international break, Martino gave the other Argentine magician his chance. Farías was one of the big positives of the home game against Kansas, involved in the build-up and working out of possession. His second goal in only his fifth game confirms the club’s commitment to the 21-year-old, who is destined to lead the MLS side sooner rather than later.