Inter Miami will this weekend become one of the most talked about sports teams on the planet with the arrival of Lionel Messi, which in turn will bring up many questions about their starting XI.
Tata Martino’s appointment adds another layer of mystique as well as the signings of Barcelona icons Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who alongside Messi will hope to fire Inter Miami back up the MLS standings and into the play-offs.
With some quality players already on the Herons’ books, a starting XI can go one of many directions for Inter Miami, especially when the factors of three superstar players are added to the equation as well as a new coach who knows MLS well.
Indeed, Inter’s Miami’s starting XI with all their new signings is an interesting thought experiment. And here is HITC Football’s take on how the Florida franchise could line up this month.
Jordi Alba immediately starts at the back with DeAndre Yedlin
With Inter Miami rock bottom of the Eastern Conference, defense should have been at the forefront of the front office’s mind when it comes to new signings. And although Alba won’t help Martino with clean sheets, the Spanish international will instill confidence alongside the backline.
A good case could also be made that Inter Miami’s biggest arrival at the back this summer might be in the form of Kamal Miller, who will soon return to Florida after Canada’s elimination from the CONCACAF Gold Up, with Sergiy Kryvtsov likely to form the final part of the spine with regular no. 1 Drake Callender in goal.
Completing the defense, likely to be back-four based on Martino’s previous work, is former Newcastle United star DeAndre Yedlin, who could form quite the fullback partnership with Alba given how similar the two are in terms of their playing styles.
Sergio Busquets marshals midfield with wonderkid Benjamin Cremaschi
Midfield is arguably the biggest area of contention following Inter Miami’s summer spree, with Sergio Busquets the first superstar signing announce by the club this window. Yet the question of who starts alongside the Barcelona legend is a big topic of debate.
Designated Player Rodolfo Pizarro will make way for the Spaniard’s arrival, and fellow DP Gregore is expected to be out on the sideline for some time. This all means Martino will have his work cut out for him to build a midfield capable of challenging in MLS, yet the tools are there.
A sensible selection would be to double up on defensive-midfielders with Dixon Arroyo slotting in alongside Busquets, with US wonderkid Benjamin Cremaschi the final player to make up our midfield trio, who could work wonders for Inter Miami in the coming weeks.
Lionel Messi partners Josef Martinez and Leonardo Campana in attack
To the surprise of few, Inter Miami’s attack is now arguably one of the best in MLS with the arrival of Messi, who could operate either as a second-striker behind the main two forwards or out on the right, two systems that helped Argentina lift the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
However, whilst Messi will elevate Inter Maimi’s attack to a whole new level, Martino’s appointment will also be huge in fully unlocking Josef Martinez, who together at Atlanta United won MLS Cup and created a modern-day legend in the division.
Another player who could benefit hugely from Martino and Messi is 22-year-old Leonardo Campana, who since arriving from Premier League side Wolves this year is yet to light MLS on fire. However, with a world-class forward now playing alongside him, the youngster could now find his groove with Martinez by his side.
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