An ex-MLS player explains why, in Lionel Messi’s absence, Inter Miami is playing so much better.

At the Copa America, Nigel Reo-Coker has explained his theory on why Inter Miami is performing better even without Lionel Messi.

The Herons have been unbeaten since Messi joined the reigning South American champions Inter Miami three games ago, following the Argentine’s departure to the Copa America this summer along with Luis Suarez and Matias Rojas.

With Messi, perhaps the finest player in MLS this season, leading Inter Miami to the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings, the team’s comeback has been fairly amazing considering the huge players the Florida team is lacking.

Reo-Coker, a former player, has revealed why Inter Miami appears to be doing better without Messi.

Reo-Coker discussed on Morning Footy how Inter Miami is doing better as a unit now that they are focusing on each player’s unique qualities rather than trying to locate Messi all the time.

Reo-Coker explained why Inter Miami is playing better without Messi, saying, “My bingo card indicates you play more as a team, that’s the difference dynamic when Lionel Messi’s not playing. It goes without saying that Messi is a match-winner; that is his quality.

When you play with someone of that caliber, there’s a different energy on the field. It’s different when a player of that caliber is on the field; the other players’ mentality is, “We have to please him,” as we’ve seen a little bit with Portugal [with Ronaldo].

When you play with someone of that caliber, there’s an expectation that you have to give him the ball and he can do whatever he wants. You can disagree.

“Messi has a different level than Ronaldo, but he still has that 1% level.

When he’s not playing, the team is closer because there isn’t a game-winning goal, so you are a stronger unit as a team to achieve success, which is a positive thing.

Naturally, you still possess Jordi Alba’s caliber, but when Messi is on the field, the pressure and expectations are off the table.

It’s undeniable that Inter Miami is still far superior when the Argentine captain is available, even though the team’s play has improved and the defense is noticeably stronger without Messi.

With Messi and Suarez in the lineup, Inter Miami was shattering records and dominating opponents, the two rekindling their old friendship from FC Barcelona to guide the Herons into a bright future in Florida.

And when Messi returns, Inter Miami might be in peak shape for the League Cup, when the 37-year-old will look to reclaim the title and add to his record-breaking trophy collection.

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