No Lionel Messi, but no problem for the Herons who won their fifth game in six against Toronto to lead the Supporters’ Shield standings.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Jul 19th, 2024 05:42 EDT0
MEGAN BRIGGSAFP
Few knew what to expect from Inter Miami this year, their first full season with the quartet of former Barcelona veterans. Would those outstanding talents fire them to MLS glory, or would their aging bodies slow down and prevent them from going the distance? What seemed clear at least, was that Lionel Messi’s availability would be key to any hopes of success in 2024.
And yet, with Messi away with Argentina at Copa América, Miami have enjoyed one of their best spells of form in the past year, winning five of six games since Messi left for international duty. With the Argentine now facing a spell on the sidelines due to injury, can the Messi-less Miami bring home silverware in his absence?
After a 3-1 midweek victory over Toronto, Inter Miami are out on their own at the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings. They have scored more goals than any other team and boast a league-high points-per-game p of 2.1. Impressive stuff from a depleted squad.
REDONDO MARCA EL TERCERO DE LA NOCHE 💥💗🖤 pic.twitter.com/vfcgZLTPu9
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 18, 2024
What is the MLS points record?
If Inter Miami can keep up their current rate of point-earning they’re on track to hit the 70-point mark, a major achievement managed just a handful of times in the history of MLS. Rounding up, Tata Martino’s side will end the season on 71 points if they continue at this rate and will surely wrap up the Supporters’ Shield title with that total.
Highest MLS points totals
1. New England Revolution, 73 points – 20212. Los Angeles FC, 72 – 20193. New York Red Bulls, 71 – 2018=4. Toronto FC, 69 – 2017=4. Atlanta United FC, 69 – 2018=4. FC Cincinnati, 69 – 20237. Los Angeles Galaxy, 68 – 1998=8. Los Angeles Galaxy, 67 – 2011=8. Los Angeles FC, 67 – 202210. Philadelphia Union, 67 – 2022
A deep run in the 2024 Leagues Cup, set to start later this month, could sap some energy from the team but all games will be played during a mid-season break. Having already lifted the trophy in 2023 the Herons may opt to rest some of their older players during the tournament, to ensure that they remain refresh for the remainder of the MLS campaign and crucial post-season fixtures.
Federico Redondo stars in Toronto win
For all the talk of Miami’s storied veterans, a key part of their impressive 2024 form has been the addition of talented youngsters who compensate for their more experienced teammates. The signing of Argentinian midfielder Federico Redondo brought a different profile to the Miami roster and he impressed in his early performances with the club, before tearing his lateral knee ligament and missing two months of action.
He’s now back in the team and starred in the midweek victory over Toronto, scoring twice and providing an assist in the 3-1 win. After the game Martino was full of praise for the young midfielder.
