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Inter Miami to Face Whitecaps Without Messi, Suarez, and Busquets
Star Trio Rested
Inter Miami will be without their star trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets for Saturday night’s match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The decision to rest the three former FC Barcelona players comes as Miami faces a busy schedule with three games in eight days. Despite their absence, Miami (9-2-4, 31 points) leads the Supporters’ Shield standings by one point.
Opportunity for Leonardo Campana
Coach Tata Martino confirmed the news on Friday, which could provide an opportunity for striker Leonardo Campana to shine. Campana, who scored as a late substitute in last weekend’s 1-0 win over D.C. United, is expected to start in Suarez’s place. The Ecuadorian has scored three goals this season, building on his nine goals in 2023 and 11 in 2022.
“This is about perseverance and today it was up to me,” Campana said after his goal last Saturday. “I am going to keep adding minutes, keep making history, doing what I love, and keep contributing goals, which is what I was brought here for.”
Whitecaps’ Struggles and Strategy
The Whitecaps (5-4-4, 19 points) have struggled recently, failing to win in their last five matches. They managed a 1-1 draw against the Seattle Sounders last Saturday, thanks to a penalty kick by Ryan Gauld in second-half stoppage time. Four of their last five games have been on the road, leading coach Vanni Sartini to adopt a more conservative strategy. However, Sartini aims to be more aggressive at home.
“What I like is to control the game, to have the ball, to play, so what we need to do is to be as aggressive as we can,” Sartini said earlier this week. “As aggressive, as offensive, pressing high, to really, I would say create a lot of problems. Frustrate them and then try to be in charge of the game.”
Match Outlook
As both teams prepare for the match, Miami will look to maintain their lead in the standings, while the Whitecaps hope to break their winless streak with a strong performance at BC Place. Without their star players, Miami’s depth and Campana’s performance will be crucial, while the Whitecaps aim to capitalize on their home-field advantage and shift momentum in their favor.
