Inter Miami take the field this Tuesday in the Leagues Cup semifinal with the return of Lionel Messi in a clash that is significant both on and off the pitch. Javier Mascherano's side face Tigres in a game that will be full of tension, drama, and plenty of pressure.
The supporters know that the Argentine makes the difference, but they also know that the team needs to show more than reliance on their No. 10 if it is to survive. The Mexicans, on the other hand, arrive with less pressure, no squad full of stars, but with the memory of having already beaten the Americans in last year's competition.
Messi on the field, but how far can his body take him
Messi scored over the weekend against LA Galaxy and showed that he is still capable of winning a match with half a chance. The question is whether his body will be able to withstand the rigors of knockout soccer. The image of him limping off holding his thigh reawakened fears of a breakdown at the worst time of the season.
Mascherano has to consider how much he can really count on Messi. If he stays on the bench, Miami lose quality. If he plays at less than full strength, he risks being a liability on the field. Tigres are not the sort of opposition to allow time for readjustment.
Then there is the home advantage in Inter's favor. A 10-game undefeated streak in Miami is confidence-building, but also expectation-building. Fans no longer accept a spectacle, they require results. The Leagues Cup has become a priority, and an early exit would be received with harsh criticism.
Tigres are familiar with this ground
Tigres, on the other hand, arrive without the same star power but with the experience of a side that knows how to get through tournaments like this. It was the Mexican side that knocked out Inter Miami at the group stage last year, and that memory is still fresh.
Ángel Correa is also in good scoring form and could be the game-changer if given space to take advantage of mistakes. The huge question mark is over their away form: only one win in their nine most recent away matches. However, in a knockout contest, statistics mean less than the ability to play intelligently.