How to fill Lionel Messi’s boots! USMNT star Julian Gressel doing it his way after three goal contributions for Inter Miami during talismanic captain’s Copa America-enforced absence

The Herons always knew that they were going to lose their talismanic captain to the Copa America midway through the 2024 MLS campaign. Veteran frontman Luis Suarez has also headed to that tournament with Uruguay, leaving Tata Martino to get creative with his team selections.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!

Stream games now

Inter Miami have been faring admirably, despite fears as to how they would get on with Messi unavailable, with back-to-back victories enjoyed over the Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew. USMNT star Gressel has been charged with the task of providing creativity in Messi’s No.10 post.

He has registered a goal and two assists, with Gressel telling the Player/Manager podcast of trying to cover for an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner: “We knew that he was going to be gone at the Copa America, so the intention was always for me to step into that position. Obviously, I’ll never be able to fill his shoes, but it’s something I can do and do it in my way, and I thought I played pretty effectively against Columbus.”

With the Copa America running until July 14, and defending champions Argentina among the favourites there, Messi could sit out at least three more games for Inter Miami – against Nashville, Charlotte and Cincinnati – meaning that Gressel will need to keep stepping up for a few more weeks.