Messi again takes a seat. Inter Miami travels to DC United this Saturday knowing they'll have to do without their biggest star, recuperating from a tendon injury. His absence is not just missed on the field; it also hangs over the team in the head, even when they're riding an unprecedented run of form.
Javier Mascherano's squad has accumulated two successive MLS wins and, on top of that, earned a berth in the Leagues Cup semifinals with a brace from Luis Suárez. The real test now is whether they can sustain that pace without their No. 10 to lead them. DC United, on the other hand, goes into the game under extreme pressure. They sit in last position in the Eastern Conference with ten defeats and no victory, and looking for direction with new promoted boss René Weiler.
DC United tries to rebuild
Things haven't been so rosy for DC United. Four wins in 27 games says it all, which is why they're bottom of the table with just 20 points. Their home game against Montréal, which ended 1–1 and marked Weiler's debut, showed some effort but plenty of rust. Now the Belgian manager has his first home game at Audi Field, where the supporters are restless and eager to see something change overnight.
Christian Benteke has accomplished most of the work so far, with eight scores and one helper, and he remains the lone attack threat. Bringing in Caden Clark could give the midfield a little more zing, but honestly, expectations are low — minor adjustments, not miracles in an instant. At this point, the job is just to stay afloat and show a spark that the season isn't completely over.
Inter Miami relies on Suárez without Messi
Meanwhile, as DC grapples with crisis, Inter Miami is on fire. They sit on 45 points off 24 games, fifth in the standings, and despite having three games in hand over the top teams, are still in the running for first in the East. Current form is no fluke: 3–1 victory over LA Galaxy preceded by 2–1 victory over Tigres in the Leagues Cup. With Messi sidelined, Suárez steals the spotlight by default.
The Uruguayan has six league goals so far, but his value is in more than statistics — he's the guy that teammates look for when the game gets close. Allende and Segovia, who both also have seven goals, have proved to be consistent producers alongside him as well. Jordi Alba's injury has also been a concern, but the squad has been able to prove it has enough depth to come in and continue the attack.