Teammates forgot to play because they were busy watching Messi
"Without Messi on the pitch, we knew the rest of the team had to play better. With him, the team slowly started attacking to stretch the opponent and create space. We wanted control. But sometimes I'm so absorbed in watching Messi that I forget about my duty.It's hard not to watch him, and even harder to stay focused with such a big player. on the field," Miller said.
Miller is the main defender of the Canadian team, just joined Inter Miami in April 2023 and plays well with Serhiy Kryvtsov. Miller has been with Messi in all nine matches the Argentine superstar has played since coming to the US to play. In these nine matches, Messi scored 11 goals and provided six assists.
In the last match on August 26, Messi and Miami were guests at the New York Red Bulls field. He was substituted by coach Tata Martino to recuperate after seven consecutive main matches. However, after entering the field, Messi still shone with an 89th minute goal to seal a 2-0 victory for the home team.
A 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls helped Miami escape the bottom of the table. However, with 21 points after 23 matches, ranked 14th in the Eastern MLS table, they will face a tough road ahead if they want to win tickets to the MLS Cup Playoffs - a tournament for 18 teams with the best records including 9 teams in the Eastern group and 9 teams in the Western group.
According to Miller, the arrival of Messi has added confidence to Miami, not only for the individual players but also for the collective. The 26-year-old midfielder believes the club can get good results in the remaining matches to participate in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
"Messi has the ability to lead any team. So, we don't feel disrespected, if someone says that Miami only knows how to follow the path outlined by Messi," Miller added. "Of all the cities we've been to, New York has shown the most passionate support, especially for Messi. The scene is like a fantasy. He is the only player in the world who deserves such a welcome. ".
