Inter Miami triumphed 3-2 over Sporting Kansas City without Lionel Messi, boosting their hopes for a 2023 MLS Cup playoff spot.
Many thought it wouldn't be possible, but the Herons have done it. They picked up three points without Messi for the first time since the 36-year-old joined the south Florida club.
But it wasn't as straightforward as earning three points at home. Goalkeeper Drake Callender, who opted to play against SKC before linking up with the US men's national team for the international break, was unable to corral a Kansas City shot inspiring Daniel Salloi to find the opening goal in the ninth minute for the visitors.
The Herons would go on to score three unanswered and established a two-goal cushion as Leonardo Campana scored a brace while summer signing Facundo Farias got in on the act, scoring his second goal in MLS action since joining.
The scoring didn't stop there, though. Alan Pulido scored his 13th goal of the campaign to cause a little bit of chaos in the final 10 minutes of normal time, but the Herons were able to hold on for three crucial points.
"For a group of players who work so much with a teammate who's the best player in the world, when he’s not playing, it’s also comforting to them to know they can win," Miami boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino said after the win.
Miami eked out a narrow win without the greatest ever player, but they were also without key figures such as Benjamin Cremaschi, Josef Martinez and Serhiy Kryvstov. In total, the Eastern Conference team were without eight players for the clash with Kansas City.
"I told you in yesterday's press conference, that we could put together a good team," said Martino. "You have to consider that eight, I think, players aren’t here. And even more, I think on top of that we played a good game. I think that’s the most important thing and it’s comforting. You know how movies have the leading man, the supporting cast? Well, we’re the supporting actors who are enjoying him."
Martino also made it a point to praise Farias individually after his stellar one goal, one assist performance to propel Miami to victory.
"If I told you I was surprised, it wouldn’t be fair," said Martino of Farias. "The truth is I expect this of Facundo because he’s done it in Argentine football ... the truth is he’s performing just how we expected him to."
Miami, 14th in the Eastern Conference with 28 points, return to action on September 16 when they take on Atlanta United and Thiago Almada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Tata Martino praises Inter Miami squad after narrow win over Sporting KC.
