On March 2, 2025, Inter Miami faced the Houston Dynamo without their iconic captain Lionel Messi, yet they emerged victoriously with a decisive 4-1 win, demonstrating the depth and strength of the team even without their star player.
The absence of Messi, who has become synonymous with excitement and drawing ticket sales since joining the MLS, did not go unnoticed. Javier Mascherano, the head coach of Inter Miami, confirmed prior to the match against Houston Dynamo, "We had to play three games in [seven] days," indicating the need to manage the workload of the 37-year-old Argentine superstar. Messi did not travel with the squad to Houston as he was rested, allowing for recuperation before the upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Cavalier FC.
The decision to rest Messi was significant, as the presence of the world-renowned player creates buzz and anticipation among fans and impacts attendance. The Houston Dynamo had anticipated Messi's participation, with many fans purchasing tickets mainly to catch the legendary player on the field. To counter disappointment due to Messi's absence, the Dynamo announced they would offer complimentary tickets for another match to everyone attending the game against Miami. The team stated, "Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent," but they expressed excitement to host the event and appreciated fans' support with this gesture.
This situation was not entirely unfamiliar; last year, when Messi similarly missed matches, several teams had to implement refund policies or send offers for future games. The Houston Dynamo recognized the potential risk to their fan engagement if Messi were absent, hence their proactive compensation approach, intending to maintain support from spectators.
Despite the absence of their superstar, Inter Miami displayed impressive teamwork and skill, particularly through the efforts of Luis Suarez, who scored one goal and assisted three others during the game. Youngster Telasco Segovia also had his moment under the spotlight, netting two goals and showcasing the team's capacity to thrive even under pressure.
Following the win, Mascherano remarked about managing player health, saying, "It is what it is, we adapt to the circumstances," enforcing the philosophy of balancing performance with player well-being. This level of strategic planning signifies not only Mascherano's new role as head coach but also demonstrates Inter Miami's ambition to excel both domestically and on the continental stage.
This match against the Dynamo was pivotal for Miami as they sought continuity and momentum following their previous quarter-finals match against Sporting Kansas City, where they showcased their capability and determination. The strength displayed by players like Suarez and Segovia, with their significant contributions, highlights the collective skill within the ranks of Inter Miami.
The victory over Dynamo also emphasizes the club's role as influencers within the league as they adapt to new challenges and overcome obstacles, including managing star players like Messi. While the concerns about attendance and fan experience loom large, the team's ability to produce competitive results alleviates some pressure related to marketing and sales.
Looking forward, Messi is expected to return to the lineup against the Cavalier FC, as the team continues to juggle the intricacies of player fitness, season schedules, and the expectations of their fans. While they grow accustomed to managing Messi's moments of rest, the impact of his presence remains clear: he elevates the profile of MLS and engages audiences like no other.
The Inter Miami players took the field on Sunday night with every intention to celebrate their remarkable win against Houston Dynamo, keeping hopes alive for the Champions Cup and aiming high for future matches. With Mascherano on board and the squad's depth cementing their ambitious plans, soccer fans can rest assured: Inter Miami will continue to strive for greatness, backed by Messi's stellar legacy and the contributions of the entire team.