Inter Miami must learn to win without Lionel Messi, says Martino

Inter Miami must learn to win without Lionel Messi, coach Tata Martino insists after World Cup winner sits out most of his MLS debut… before coming on to score in Red Bulls victory

• Lionel Messi came off the bench to score as Inter Miami beat New York Red Bulls
• The World Cup winner made his Major League Soccer debut in the 2-0 victory
• DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news 

Tata Martino says Inter Miami must grow used to winning without Lionel Messi after the World Cup winner sat out most of his Major League Soccer debut against New York Red Bulls.

Much to the disappointment of a record crowd at Red Bull Arena, Messi started on the bench – alongside Sergio Busquets – before capping a 30-minute cameo with a brilliant goal to ensure victory.

Messi watched from the sidelines as Diego Gomez put Miami on course for a first MLS win in 12 matches, before he came on to score his 11th goal in nine appearances.

Martino ignored the clamor, choosing to rest Messi after a whirlwind first month in Miami, which saw the 36-year-old amass more than 700 minutes of game time.

‘The important thing is we value wining and winning this way because it’s something we have to be accustomed to,’ Martino said. 

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score as Inter Miami beat New York Red Bulls on Saturday

Both the World Cup winner and Sergio Busquets spent around an hour waiting to come on 

‘Leo is going to miss at least 3 games – he’s going to get called up by his national team (Argentina have World Cup qualifiers in September, October and November).

‘And others too and we know the team needs to continue to win in these times.’

This victory took Miami off the bottom of the Eastern Conference and keeps alive the team’s slim hopes of reaching the MLS playoffs. With 11 matches of the regular season remaining, Martino’s team sit more than 10 points adrift. 

And afterwards, the manager spoke of the importance of proving they can cope without their talisman. 

‘I think it’s the first time we played without him since the Cruz Azul match (Messi’s debut). The response of the team without him was great for the first hour,’ Martino said.

‘We controlled the match for large portions and took the lead. We needed to do this so that we knew we could win without him. The response was satisfactory.’ 

Inter Miami boss Tata Martino speaks to Messi before sending him on during Saturday’s victory

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