How Inter Miami could line up with Lionel Messi
By Alex Windley
Fresh off of winning a World Cup with Argentina in December, Lionel Messi has decided to make the next step in his career and join Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF. But how will the MLS side line up with the Argentine joining their ranks?
After winning another league title with Paris Saint Germain over the last week, Messi will be taking his talents to South Florida and joining MLS side Inter Miami.
Inter Miami has had a difficult start to 2023, losing 11 games through 16 matches played in MLS.
The Herons have also sacked their head coach Phil Neville due to poor on-field performance.
Nevertheless, Miami is a glitzy city with a passionate fanbase. The signing of Messi will change not only the landscape of the city but also how the team will play on the field.
Here’s how Inter Miami could line up with Messi.
1. Second Striker
Despite the injuries to midfielders Jean Mota and Gregore, Miami has a roster filled with young talent and players that have done well in Europe.
Though Messi is an excellent attacking player, it won't be ideal for him to defend in a physical league like MLS.
No worries!
To counteract this, Miami could line up in 5-3-2, where Messi plays as a second striker next to Leonardo Campana or Josef Martinez.
With Mota and Gregore out, the midfield three behind him will probably consist of Homegrown players Benjamin Cremaschi, David Ruiz, and recent signing Dixon Arroyo.
This lineup will give Messi the extra attacking freedom without worrying about tracking back and contributing defensively.
2. Attacking midfielder
Conversely, Campana and Martinez could line up together on the field with Messi in a 3-4-1-2, where the Argentine can play behind them as a pure attacking midfielder.
Messi’s vision and creative mind will be ideal for this struggling Miami side, who have just scored 15 goals this year.
With the 35-year-old playing just in behind two strikers who have shown they’re able to score in MLS, that will give the men in pink and black the offensive boost that they needed.
3. Right wing
Lastly, another intriguing option for Messi is lining up on the right wing in a 4-3-3.
Messi has spent most of his career playing on the right side and tucking in with his favored left foot. He could continue that in Miami.
The 4-3-3 is an often used formation in MLS, and it wouldn’t be shocking if Miami implemented it as well.
With wingers, Nicolas Stefanelli, Robert Taylor, and Corentin Jean, Miami does have players that can slot into the left wing to complement Messi.
However, to commit to the system, they must hit the MLS secondary transfer market hard to build out the roster with more attacking talent.
Currently, Miami is still short on wingers after Ariel Lassiter was traded to CF Montreal and Emerson Rodriguez was sent to Santos Laguna on loan.