Ex-Barcelona triumvirate Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba appear to be ‘provoking problems’ for Inter Miami coach Tata Martino.
The ‘Herons’ clinched their ticket to the 2023 League Cup final with a convincing 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union on Tuesday night, with Josef Martinez, Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and David Ruiz scoring.
The overall performance of Martino’s troops showed that, although the team have been galvanized by Messi, they are so much more than the Argentine legend. The coach praised the collective contribution but admitted he now had a big problem when it came to team selection.
” Leo, Josef, normally they participate (in goals). There is progress, because Benja (Cremaschi) recently scored; today it was David who came from behind to score, and Jordi, as a defender, scored a goal. I think it’s important for any team.” Martino said.
“It’s true that the team has changed, but it’s also true that the squad has changed. Today we have a much more competitive squad, which poses problems for the coach when it comes to choosing his team.
Ruiz is delighted to play alongside Messi, Busquets and Alba and admits the other players thrive on the advice of their three elders.
“It has changed a lot. Everyone has a winning mentality and everyone is ready to play every tournament, win every game and every final. These are players who are obviously trying to give advice.he said when explaining the influence of the former Barca trio.
“We are young and we try to run everywhere. It’s something they told us: ‘Oh, hold your position more, let the ball get to you. Stop chasing the ball too much, you’re locking yourself up’ – things like that”.
