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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Tata Martino's side in impressive form</li><li>Looking to land more major silverware</li><li>Skipper watching on from the stands</li></ul>

Seven wins in eight without Lionel Messi! Herons put on Leagues Cup show for injured captain & wife Antonela Roccuzzo as trophy defence gets off to perfect start against Puebla

<p>The Herons <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/unplayable-lionel-messi-ultimate-first-impression-nashville-boss-inspiring-inter-miami-leagues-cup-glory/blt2dc124fc5defc69a " target="_blank">claimed that trophy in spectacular style last season</a>, with Messi making an immediate impact in Florida on the back of his stunning arrival as a free agent. He helped to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/44-trophies-lionel-messi-all-time-record-very-good-hands-inter-miami-tata-martino-historic-leagues-cup/blt4c0a84c28d5bf241 " target="_blank">secure the first piece of silverware in Inter Miami’s relatively short history</a>.</p><div class="affiliate-button-container theme-1" data-name="Apple TV"><div class="affiliate-button"><img class="logo" height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;"><span class="affiliate-text">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</span></div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" class="affiliate-button-link" target="_blank">Stream games now</a></div>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Argentine superstar was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-argentine-mls-fixture-antonela-thiago-third-kit/blt0b31e6ab2facae73" target="_blank">restricted to a spectator role</a> as the defence of that crown got underway. He took up a seat in the stands at Chase Stadium alongside his children and partner Antonela Roccuzzo. They were treated to quite the show from Tata Martino’s side.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Fellow former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez were all in action, with the latter wrapping up a comfortable win after Matias Rojas had opened the scoring early on. There was plenty for the Messi clan to smile about as they saw an impressive run of form continue.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Inter Miami have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/no-lionel-messi-five-games-how-inter-miami-survive-copa-america-without-captain/blt84231bd21a0d395b" target="_blank">suffered just one defeat without Messi</a> since the middle of June, against FC Cincinnati, and will need to maintain those standards as no date has been set for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to return to action after <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-lionel-messi-ankle-swells-size-golf-ball-argentina-inter-miami-superstar-tears-injury-copa-america-final-colombia/bltfebca9f5b14d26cd" target="_blank">suffering an unfortunate ankle injury in the Copa America final</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Seven wins in eight without Lionel Messi! Herons put on Leagues Cup show for injured captain & his wife Antonela Roccuzzo as trophy defence gets off to perfect start against Puebla | Goal.com

Inter Miami have won seven of eight games since losing Lionel Messi to the Copa America, with Puebla seen off 2-0 in their 2024 Leagues Cup opener.

Seven wins in eight without Lionel Messi! Herons put on Leagues Cup show for injured captain &amp; wife Antonela Roccuzzo as trophy defence gets off to perfect start against Puebla