Robert Taylor shines in place of absent Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as Inter Miami earn crucial road win over Vancouver Whitecaps

Without Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets in the traveling squad to Canada, Inter Miami pulled off a miraculous win on the road.

Robert Taylor opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a lovely curling effort, with the Fin helping double their lead in the 55th minute with a delicious assist to Leonardo Campana.

The 2-0 lead was squandered late, though, after a reckless Tomas Aviles conceded a penalty kick in the 72nd minute. Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld scored from the spot to earn a goal back, but the Herons' defense was resilient to close things out.

This was the first match in 2024 that all three of Messi, Suarez and Busquets sat out. The trio of ex-Barcelona stars have been crucial to the Heron's form of late, so getting a result on Saturday was brilliant for the South Beach club.

Robert Taylor:

The Finnish international had a fantastic evening on the wing, wreaking havoc for the Vancouver defense. He linked up well with the midfield in transitional play and tracked back when he was asked to. His assist on their second goal was a brilliant moment, but his true shining play came in the first half when he scored an outrageous effort for the Herons with this curling strike.

Vancouver fans:

The Herons left their superstars at home, and it caused chaos in the buildup to the match. So much that the Whitecaps had to issue an absurd statement offering deals on concessions, future tickets and their apologies due to the ticket prices of the match and the expectation that the three would at least travel.

It's not every day you get to watch the world's greatest player in person, and these fans were not thrilled to see the Argentine and his friends stay home.

Bummer.

The Herons are back in action Wednesday evening in a quick turnaround as they host Atlanta United in MLS action. All three of Messi, Suarez and Busquets are expected to participate.