How Inter Miami has adjusted its offense without Lionel Messi

When Messi's injury became more serious, Martino had two options: continue using his 4-3-3 with replacement players or attempt a new formation in Messi's absence. He tried both and the results were startling.

First, Martino opted for the simple option: plugging new players into his existing system against D. C. United. Leo Campana subbed in for Suarez in the center while Gressel pushed forward to fill Messi's empty spot on the right. Miami allowed the first goal in that game, but it won 3-1 in convincing fashion after its players became accustomed to one another's rhythms. 

Against the New York Red Bulls, though, Miami opted for something completely different: a 3-5-2. Martino chose three central defenders, pushed his wide defenders up forward into attacking positions and loaded the center of the park with ball-holding players. His reasoning was sound – the Red Bulls like to press, so stronger defensive coverage and a focus on possession should have frustrated them.

It didn't. 

Miami's players weren't used to the system and fell apart within minutes. The Red Bulls won 4-0 after they figured how to drag Miami's defenders out of position and create open spaces in front of the goal.

The results of Martino's experiment are clear – for Miami to compete without Messi, it must stick to what it knows. A tricky 3-5-2 might look good on paper, but if Miami's players can't work out passing channels and get comfortable with the attack, it doesn't make sense. The team's recent scores back that up – it's 0-0-2 using the 3-5-2 lineup and 3-1-0 in the 4-3-3.

For Miami to charge up the Eastern Conference standings, Martino must rally his players around its traditional formation. That way, they'll be competitive in Messi's absence and ready to work with him upon his return.

Miami plays next on Saturday, March 30, against New York FC.