BY SCOTT MORGANROTH
When you look at the title of this story, what goes through your mind?
Is it an internal publication for Inter-Miami?
One would think that but the reality is that it’s the overflow area for the media when the press box is full largely in part because of Lionel Messi’s presence. Inter-Miami’s Communication Staff does an exceptional job trying to accommodate all credential requests.
This season, I’ve sat in both places. I always know what I get accomplished in the air conditioning confines of the press box.
When Inter-Miami hosted the New York Red Bulls on May 4, I sat in the Press Tribune area. It was a totally different experience. There were two rows for us, but no tables.
This game had a much different feeling as we sat amongst the crowd. All I could do in this particular situation was take notes from my clipboard and just soak in the atmosphere.
If there was ever a game to do this, it was against New York.
Inter-Miami whipped New York 6-2 and Messi broke an MLS record for most assists (5) recorded in a single match. Inter-Miami dominated Possession at 58% and outshot New York 16-15, (7-5 on goal).
But when you see the enthusiasm for Messi, it’s understandable as to why they’re excited to be moving next season to their new Miami Freedom Park Stadium next year.
Miami Freedom Park will provide 58 acres of public parks and green space, a tech hub, restaurants and shops, soccer fields for the community, a 25,000 seat stadium for Inter-Miami and many more features.
You can rest assure the press box will be much bigger to ensure the media can do their job efficiently.
But on this night, Messi put on a show and the Red Bulls paid for it with the lopsided loss at Chase Field in Fort Lauderdale.
After the contest, Gerardo Martino was pleased with the teams’ effort led by his superstar Messi.
But for myself, I felt like I was a fan, but at least I didn’t have to spend the money to get into the game as well as parking.
Inter-Miami’s record is 12-3-5 and are in first place in the Eastern Conference.
Messi has 12 goals and nine assists and has taken 43 shots.
Luis Suarez has 12 goals and five assists to go along with 32 shots.
Leonardo Campana has five goals with one assist and has taken 18 shots.
In their last match on Wednesday, defeated the Columbus Crew 2-1 at Chase Stadium.
They return to action on Saturday as they travel to Nashville at 8:30 PM.
They’ll remain on the road for July 3 match at Charlotte, July 6 at Cincinnati then play a July 17th tilt at home vs Toronto.
Scott Morganroth can be reached at southfloridatribune@gmail.com and Twitter/X @TribuneSouth.
To see his broadcasts, subscribe at no charge to the South Florida Tribune You Tube Channel.
Also, Scott wrote a book, “Lessons From The Microphone” which can be purchased on Amazon-Kindle along with Barnes & Noble.
