Inter Miami, despite playing with one less man for over 65 minutes, clinched their spot in the Leagues Cup 2024 Round of 16 after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Toronto FC at home. This victory was achieved despite the absence of star player Lionel Messi due to injury.
The Hero of the Night: Jordi Alba
The game was characterized by the exceptional performance of Inter Miami left back Jordi Alba, who delivered a career-high four assists. Alba’s masterful playmaking was instrumental in propelling Inter Miami to victory, and his contribution was crucial in overcoming the disadvantage of playing with one fewer player.
Alba's Impact
Alba's first assist came in the third minute, setting up Matías Rojas for the opening goal. He then provided assists for Diego Gómez in the 11th minute, Luis Suárez in the 20th minute, and once again for Rojas in the 59th minute. Alba’s performance demonstrates his ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
A Thrilling Match
Inter Miami opened the match with a bang, taking the lead through Rojas’ goal in the third minute. However, Toronto FC, despite the deficit, played with intensity and resilience, narrowing the gap to 2-1 in the 15th minute with a penalty converted by Lorenzo Insigne. Inter Miami quickly responded, restoring their two-goal lead through Suárez in the 20th minute. The match remained intense, with Toronto FC scoring another penalty in the 41st minute, leaving Inter Miami with a 3-2 lead going into the half.
Second Half
The second half continued with both teams creating offensive opportunities. Inter Miami extended their lead to 4-1 in the 59th minute with Rojas scoring his second goal of the night. Toronto FC managed to score once more through an own goal in the 79th minute, but Inter Miami held on for the victory.
Inter Miami’s Path Forward
Inter Miami’s next challenge will be a match against the winner of the Round of 32 matchup between Columbus Crew and Sporting Kansas City. The match is scheduled for August 12th or 13th, and Inter Miami will be looking to continue their winning momentum and advance deeper into the Leagues Cup tournament.
The Future of Shanyder Borgelin
In a separate development, Inter Miami announced the transfer of homegrown striker Shanyder Borgelin to Vendsyssel FF, a Danish second-division team. The club also retained a sell-on percentage in Borgelin, suggesting a potential future profit if the young striker flourishes in his new environment.
The Transfer Controversy
The transfer of Borgelin to a second-division club in Denmark raised questions among some observers, with many questioning the strategic reasoning behind this move. Borgelin, a 22-year-old Haitian international with promising potential, had limited opportunities with Inter Miami’s first team, making just 16 appearances since his promotion from the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate in 2023. The transfer raises concerns about Borgelin's development, as the Danish second division might not offer the same level of exposure or competition as MLS. It remains to be seen whether Borgelin’s move to Vendsyssel FF will ultimately benefit his career or hinder his growth as a player.
Inter Miami’s Next Chapter
Despite the departure of Borgelin, Inter Miami remains a formidable force in MLS, currently leading the Supporters' Shield and defending their Leagues Cup title. With Messi returning from injury and the team’s overall strength, Inter Miami is poised for continued success. As they progress through the Leagues Cup, they will be looking to solidify their position as a dominant force in the league and showcase their commitment to developing homegrown talent.
The Quest for a Title
The next few months will be crucial for Inter Miami as they pursue multiple titles. The Leagues Cup offers a chance to further validate their status as a rising powerhouse, while the Supporters’ Shield is a testament to their consistent performance throughout the regular season. With the addition of Messi and the team’s strong foundation, Inter Miami is primed to achieve great things. The team’s dedication to developing young talent is a positive sign, and their progress in the Leagues Cup is a clear indication that they are a force to be reckoned with in MLS.
