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Inter Miami star Sergio Busquets spoke about Lionel Messi's impact after the Herons bowed out of the Leagues Cup on August 13 following a 3-2 defeat to Columbus Crew on Tuesday (August 13). The Argentine was unavailable owing to an ankle injury.
Busquets addressed the media after Inter Miami's defeat, focusing on Lionel Messi's impact in games and how his absence might have affected the team.
"We know the difference that Leo makes. I wish we could have had him with us. But football has this: injuries, setbacks. It's very important for us, and it was a shame not to be able to enjoy it because I'm sure everything would have been different, and we would have had a much better chance," Busquets said.
The former Barcelona star also threw light on the Herons' performance, as they were leading 1-0 at half-time.
"We had a very good first half. We went into the break, with a positive result. From then on, they brought on more offensive players.
"We knew they were going to attack, that they were going to try to score goals, but that we were also going to have our chances, especially on the counterattack." he added.
Busquets believes the Columbus Crew were extremely potent during their accuracy in front of the net while Inter Miami lacked potency in their counterattacks.
"I think that's what happened: the result was decided by that because they were more accurate in front of goal.
"We had many counterattacks in which we lacked that final pass, that final finish that didn't come. It's a shame. We wanted to continue in the tournament, and we fought until the end," the Spaniard added. (via GOAL)
Shortly after joining Inter Miami as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, Messi led Inter Miami to their first trophy by winning the inaugural edition of the Leagues Cup. His former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba joined him in Miami soon after in 2023.
Lionel Messi and Busquets have shared the pitch in 596 games together for Barcelona and Inter Miami, recording 26 joint-goal participations. The Argentine has been out of action since picking an ankle injury in the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia.
How Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their first trophy at the 2023 Leagues Cup
Lionel Messi won his first major trophy for Inter Miami with the 2023 Leagues Cup victory. It was their first trophy since its formation in 2018. In the final, the Herons faced Nashville SC, with the match leading to penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Lionel Messi scored the only goal for Miami, giving his team an early lead. La Pulga's brilliance shone, as he deposited the ball into the net after dribbling past a couple of defenders. He shot from outside the penalty box, as the ball hit the left corner of the net.
It was his 10th goal of the Leagues Cup and 37th in a Cup final. However, Nashville SC's Fafa Picoult equalised soon after, leading the match to penalties. Messi coverted the first kick for Miami, who eventually won 10-9.
Sergio Busquets spoke highly of Lionel Messi after the historic win, calling him the best in the world.
"We are making a solid team - and then we have Leo, who makes a difference because he's the best in the world." he said.
Fast forward 12 months, Messi has missed the last five games for his new side since getting injured in the Copa final.
