‘Some may not like it’ – What Inter Miami have to do without Lionel Messi as Luis Suarez sets ‘obligation’ challenge in MLS & Leagues Cup trophy hunts

The Herons have fared admirably since losing their talismanic captain to the Copa America in mid-June. Precious points in MLS have been picked up on a regular basis, keeping them at the top of the Eastern Conference. A winning start has also been made to the defence of a Leagues Cup crown.

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Messi is still missing, as he nurses an ankle injury, and Suarez has told reporters of the standards that need to be maintained during a Leagues Cup run that opened with a 2-0 victory over Puebla: “Inter have already won this, they have the experience. This is a matter of fighting until the end. Some like this, some may not, but we need to get used to it. Our obligation is to work.”

Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has sounded a similar message, with the Argentine tactician eager to remain in contention for as many trophies as possible. He has said, with attention shifting to inter-division competition that includes Liga MX outfits: “We have the obligation of fighting for both tournaments [MLS Cup and Leagues Cup]. But that's not because we won Leagues Cup last season, but because these tournaments are not played at the same time. There's no need for us to choose between one or the other.”

The Florida-based franchise will not be back in MLS action until facing closest challengers in the Eastern Conference, FC Cincinnati, on August 25. Messi should be back before then, but no risks are being taken on his fitness and a possible return date for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to be pencilled in.