Despite his absence, Lionel Messi still inspired Inter Miami to defeat Sporting Kansas City 3-2, according to striker Leonardo Campana.
"We feel Messi's absence, but as we said yesterday, he still gives confidence to many players in the team," Campana said after the win in the US Major League Soccer (MLS) on September 10. "We now go out with the belief of winning. Now, we know our ability and that was fundamental to get three points today."
Campana celebrates scoring in Inter Miami's 3-2 win over Kansas City in MLS Round 40 on September 10. Photo: Inter Miami
At DRV PNK Stadium yesterday, Miami did not have Messi, because the 36-year-old striker had to join Argentina for two 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America against Ecuador on September 7 and Bolivia on September 12. Messi only returned for the match against Atlanta United on September 16. Without its brightest star, Miami still beat Sporting Kansas City 3-2 thanks to a brace from Campana and Facundo Farias.
Campana revealed that Messi sent a congratulatory message to the team's Whatsapp group. The 23-year-old striker also praised the three new star players Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba for maintaining their hunger, wanting Miami to win every game and every competition.
Coach Gerardo Martino stressed that the victory over Sporting Kansas City was proof that Miami can play well without Messi. "With a team that has the best player in the world, when he is not playing, it is great to know that the team can win," said the Argentina coach.
Key developments of the match Inter Miami 3-2 Kansas City.
A day before Miami's win, Messi shone with a free kick in the 78th minute to help Argentina narrowly beat Ecuador 1-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
When asked about this goal, Martino replied: "What Messi did, instead of a movie in Miami or Hollywood, it was a movie in Buenos Aires, but with an old story. No matter what shirt Messi wears, it has been happening for the past 18 years."
Meanwhile, Campana - Ecuadorian - was disappointed when his country lost, but praised Messi for scoring free-kicks as easily as penalties.
The win over Kansas City also kept Martino's team's hopes of qualifying for the MLS Playoffs alive. Miami currently has 28 points, six more than last-place Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference, and six points behind ninth-place DC United - the last place in the MLS Playoffs, but with two games in hand.
Hong Duy
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