Jordi Alba has explained how Inter Miami intend to cope during Lionel Messi’s Copa America absence, with a “fight” message being sent to MLS rivals.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Herons are aware that they could be without their talismanic captain for up to five matches as he heads off on international duty with Argentina. His final game at domestic level for the foreseeable future saw more history made by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in a thrilling 3-3 draw with St Louis City.

WHAT ALBA SAID

Inter Miami are determined to keep themselves in MLS Cup contention while Messi is occupied elsewhere, with Alba saying of how those left behind in Florida will face that challenge: “Knowing the player that he is for us, it’s hard, but the team will continue to compete as much as possible, and that will be noticed. It’s an important absence for us, but we hope he does well in Copa America, we hope he has a great tournament and joins us again when it’s time. If that’s after the final, well – but in the meantime, the team will continue to fight and play.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 2024 Copa America will run from June 20 to July 14, with Inter Miami also aware that players may be called away to the Olympic Games in Paris. Tata Martino has said of Messi’s performance against St Louis and why he leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Chase Stadium: “In today’s game, Leo was practically responsible next to Jordi for the participation of the attack. He was involved in the definition of strikes, he insisted throughout the game. He finished the game well – and now will do what has corresponded to him his whole life, which is play for Argentina.”

WHAT NEXT?

Inter Miami, who could also see star striker Luis Suarez called up for Copa duty by Uruguay, will be back in action next Saturday when taking in a trip to the Philadelphia Union. They remain top of the MLS Eastern Conference for now, but have played two games more than FC Cincinnati – who are only two points off the pace.