LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, the ex-Barcelona trio, are reportedly “making problems” for Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino.
Following a decisive 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday night, the Herons earned their spot in the 2023 Leagues Cup final. Josef Martinez, Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and David Ruiz all scored for the Herons.
Martino’s players put up a thorough display, demonstrating that while Messi has inspired them, they are much more than just the Argentine star.
While praising everyone’s contributions, the manager acknowledged that he now has a lot of squad selection issues.
“Leo and Josef normally participate [in the goals]. There’s progress because Benja [Cremaschi] recently scored; today it was David coming from behind for the goal, and Jordi as a defender scores a goal. And that I think is important for any team,” said Martino.
“It’s true that the team has changed, but it’s also true that the roster has changed. Today we have a much more competitive roster that creates problems for the coach when it comes time to choose the team.”
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Homegrown Ruiz is elated to play alongside Messi, Busquets, and Alba and admitted that the other players feed on the advice of their three senior colleagues.
“It’s changed a lot. Everybody has a winning mentality, and everybody’s ready to play every tournament, win every game, and every final.
“They’re players that obviously just try and give advice,” he said while explaining the influence of the former Barca trio.
“We’re like, young and stuff, we try to run everywhere. That’s something that they just told us: ‘Oh, just maintain more your position, that the ball’s going to get to you. Stop running for the ball too much where you’re just trapping yourself’ – things like that.”
The League Cup final between Inter Miami and Nashville will take place on Saturday night, and Messi will be hoping to win his first title with the team.
