MLS
Lionel Messi’s brutal impact on Inter Miami’s attack
The world soccer legend will seek to continue adding big numbers to guide The Herons against Nashville, as the MLS 2023 continues.
Wednesday will mark Lionel Messi’s official debut in the MLS at DRV PNK Stadium, where Inter Miami will face off against Nashville SC. It is anticipated that the Argentine superstar will once again bring joy to his new fans, but this time in a match of the North American top division. In this encounter, The Herons’ number 10 will have the opportunity to continue adding remarkable statistics to his record.
Since Messi’s high-profile playing debut on 22 July at the start of Leagues Cup 2023, he has played nine matches with the Fort Lauderdale franchise. However, the impact he has on the offensive tactics directed by Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is evident in his involvement in 14 goals, with 11 goals and three assists recorded so far.
The captain of Inter Miami aims to lead his team to yet another victory on Wednesday, as the team has still not suffered a defeat since his arrival. They have amassed six wins in regular time and three draws, which ultimately turned into victories from the penalty spot. One of these penalty victories secured the franchise’s first title, and the most recent one secured their place in the US Open Cup final.
Nashville SC, a tought opponent
Coincidentally, they faced the team from the Music City in the final of Leagues Cup 2023, a head-to-head match that pushed them to their limits at Geodis Park. Following a 1-1 draw in regular time, the match went to penalties, requiring the goalkeepers from both sides to step up from the penalty spot. Now, at DRV PNK Stadium, they will strive to secure all three points against Nashville SC.
In addition to this, Nashville is a team that already defeated The Herons (2-1) in their first encounter of the 2023 MLS season. However, in their cup tournament match, it was Miami who emerged victorious in the round of 16 (2-1), with the latter contest taking place at Fort Lauderdale’s pink venue.
What are Nashville’s key threats?
Despite coming off a 4-0 defeat in their visit to Atlanta United, Gary Smith’s team boasts players like Sam Surridge, Jacob Shaffelburg, Aníbal Godoy, Daniel Lovitz, and Hany Mukhtar, with the first and last being the most dangerous. Initially, Surridge is making an impactful start to his journey in the United States, while Mukhtar is the defending Golden Boot winner from 2022.