Another week, another win for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
It was a complete and utter victory for the south Florida club over Canadian outfit Vancouver Whitecaps on the road at BC Place. Not only did the win keep Miami atop the Supporters' Shield table, it also meant David Beckham's club won their second straight MLS game and their seventh league win in their last eight outings.
Although Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez did not make the trip to northwestern Canada — they were rested by head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino — the Herons were able to pull off a win thanks to the good performances of some of the team's most underrated players.
Here are three key takeaways from Miami's win over the Whitecaps.
In previous games, we have seen Miami struggle to break down the opposition and create chances without the likes of Messi and Busquets in the side. However, this time was different for Martino's team.
The legendary Messi and ruthless Suarez combined for 21 MLS goals in 2024 – which works out to about 55% of the team's 38 league goals – and that's not even including their 17 assists. Besides, Miami found a way to win despite the Whitecaps' late onslaught, something that will bring hope to Martino when the Copa America rolls around this summer.
Miami has arguably the most talented squad in all of MLS with veteran and inexperienced players alike. That is expected when a player like Messi writes down, because the players will not give up the opportunity to play with the best player in this game.
Some of Miami's players who don't play week-to-week could find starting roles at other MLS teams. This is true for the likes of Robert Taylor and Leo Campana, both players having lost their starting spots this season to Matias Rojas and Suarez, respectively.
Campana scored the game-winner for the second straight game and Taylor opened the scoring and assisted on the young Ecuadorian's second-half goal. The two showed more than their worth to Martino as they came out in awe to bring three points.
While Taylor and Campana will rightfully make headlines after their excellent performances, don't forget about Jordi Alba's importance to this Miami team. Franco Negri was active at running back in the side when Alba missed time with a hamstring injury, but it's almost night and day when you compare the way Miami played with Alba back in the team.
His through ball to set up Taylor for the opening strike was perfect and no other player on the field saw it coming. With Alba now back in transition and starting games, Miami actually has a solid front line partner as they move forward with the transition.
Alba's contributions weren't limited to attacking, however. The 35-year-old played his part in securing Miami's result in stoppage time, showing his knowledge and experience by holding the ball high in Vancouver's half to ease the pressure before the full-time whistle.
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