The introduction of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets along with Josef Martinez to Inter Miami CF has given them a new dimension in midfield and attack. Whilst many have highlighted the rekindling of the Messi-Busquets partnership, it was another partnership which blossomed between pink shirts that sank Atlanta United on Tuesday night.
Robert Taylor has arguably benefited most from Lionel Messi’s on-pitch inspiration so far during this Leagues Cup campaign. The Finland international performed well against Cruz Azul and scored a low driven effort to open the scoring against the Mexican side. He followed it up with a brace alongside Messi’s own double against Atlanta United.
From England’s seventh tier to scoring a brace with Lionel Messi
Taylor’s story is one of perseverance. In 2018 the Fin played for English non-league side Lincoln City in the Imps’ youth squad, not getting gametime in the senior side. It was during this time that the player reportedly thought about leaving the game altogether, giving up on his dream and finding another job.
A return to Finland and then a move to Swedish side AIK saw a gradual upturn in his career, which ended in him earning national team call-ups for the Northern European side and then finally a move to Inter Miami CFin February 2022.
In Leagues Cup 2023 Taylor has already beaten his two-goal total over 19 appearances within two matches. With the winger combining well so far with the 2022 World Cup winner Messi, the pair are equal tournament top scorers on three goals respectively. Is it the beginnings of a new deadly duo for Inter Miami CF?
