Seven wins in eight without Lionel Messi! Herons put on Leagues Cup show for injured captain & wife Antonela Roccuzzo as trophy defence gets off to perfect start against Puebla

The Herons claimed that trophy in spectacular style last season, with Messi making an immediate impact in Florida on the back of his stunning arrival as a free agent. He helped to secure the first piece of silverware in Inter Miami’s relatively short history.

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The Argentine superstar was restricted to a spectator role as the defence of that crown got underway. He took up a seat in the stands at Chase Stadium alongside his children and partner Antonela Roccuzzo. They were treated to quite the show from Tata Martino’s side.

Fellow former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez were all in action, with the latter wrapping up a comfortable win after Matias Rojas had opened the scoring early on. There was plenty for the Messi clan to smile about as they saw an impressive run of form continue.

Inter Miami have suffered just one defeat without Messi since the middle of June, against FC Cincinnati, and will need to maintain those standards as no date has been set for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to return to action after suffering an unfortunate ankle injury in the Copa America final.