INTER MIAMI

Leo Messi’s new Inter Miami strike partner, Josef Martínez

The Venezuelan forward has gelled with the Argentinean striker, reminding many of the relationship between Luis Suárez and Leo Messi in their halcyon days at Barcelona.

Sam NavarroUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Inter Miami is about to make history. In sealing their spot in the Leagues Cup final, comfortably beating Philadelphia Union 1-4 in the semifinals, the ‘Herons’ showed, again, undeniable promise on the field. On a night that unfolded under Philadelphia’s gleaming lights, two names stood out, shining brighter than the rest: Josef Martínez and, unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi. What’s both fascinating and exhilarating for Miami fans, is that the Argentine maestro seems to have found his ‘new’ Luis Suárez in the Venezuelan - a perfect match for his gameplay, and a partner he can rely on for those wide-open goal celebrations, reminiscent of his days with the Uruguayan ‘Pistolero’ at Barcelona.

It took Leo Messi just six games to be crowned the new king of Miami. While his reputation as possibly the greatest player in football history is undisputed, his play in the US has been notable since his debut on this side of the Atlantic. Distanced from his often challenging stints in Paris, we’ve seen a resurgence of the Messi who once dazzled the world during his prime at Barcelona.

Messi and Luis Suárez.Diario AS

Suárez: Messi’s assist king

Back then, the lethal trio of the Argentine, Neymar, and Luis Suárez had the world at their feet. In Suárez, in addition to being one of his closest friends on and off the pitch, Messi found his ultimate playmaker. The Argentine ace received 47 goal assists from his Uruguayan ‘brother’ during their six seasons together in Catalonia, overshadowing the 37 he provided in return. And now, in Miami, another South American talent, Josef Martínez, has stepped into the shoes of the iconic Uruguayan striker.

Messi and Martínez, a lethal pair in the making

With the former Atlanta United man, David Beckham’s first ‘galactico’ in Miami, Messi has his perfect fit up front. Leveraging Martínez’s blistering pace and intricate play, the number 10 has picked up two goals in his six games thanks to passes from the Venezuelan (against Orlando City and Philadelphia Union). Meanwhile Messi has not hesitated to return the favor, ceding the role of the team’s designated penalty taker to Martínez, who’s already converted twice from the spot. The bond between Martínez and Messi has grown palpably, both on and off the pitch. The striker has seamlessly found his place in Messi’s inner circle, sharing moments beyond the confines of matchday. In Martínez, it appears Messi may just have discovered his next great comrade.

Messi and Martínez now take on Nashville in the Leagues Cup final.

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