Leonardo Campana has said Inter Miami have the players needed to replace the likes of Lionel Messi despite last night’s loss to CF Montreal.

The Ecuador international was named in the starting XI with Messi missing the match due to being rested, with Luis Suarez starting the game on the bench alongside Sergio Busquets.

Inter Miami’s depth beyond their superstar names has been a big talking point in recent weeks, with the likes of Messi and Suarez simply unable to play every game due to their age and current fitness.

Leonardo Campana praises Inter Miami replacements vs Montreal

Yet speaking to the Miami Herald, Campana was full of praise for the players Inter Miami can bring in to replace these superstars, with the 23-year-old himself filling in for Messi last night.

Despite the result, Inter Miami impressed against on of the in-form teams in MLS, and for Campana, the Herons have the depth to survive without the likes of Messi on the pitch.

Campana said when asked if Inter Miami can cope without star players: “100%, it is just about getting into a rhythm of games, giving confidence to the players that are having their first games with the team and moving forward.

“We know we have a great team and obviously we have to help the new guys that have come to also take on the responsibility so that we have a great season.”

Herons need to learn to survive without Lionel Messi

Whilst Inter Miami ended up on the losing side last night, the Florida franchise showed that they can survive without Messi given how many chances the home side had on the day.

Had it not been for some poor set-piece defending, the result could have gone the other way with Inter Miami maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.

Yet going forward, Inter Miami impressed, with Campana proving to be a fantastic backup option for the likes of Messi with Robert Taylor also enjoying freedom in a central role for the Herons.