In just 12 matches, the Argentine great has scored 11 goals for the Florida-based team, helping them win the Leagues Cup and advance to the U.S. Open Cup final. However, he is having trouble recovering from a knock that led to his replacement just 37 minutes into a 4-0 victory over Toronto FC.

With another break now granted to Messi and a derby match against Orlando City in the near future, someone else will have to step up and set an example. Taylor accomplished that against Toronto, scoring twice, but the Finland-based midfielder readily admits that he is hardly Lionel Messi.

In an effort to fill in for Messi, Taylor has indicated that he has tried to learn from him. He has remarked, “I don’t think there’s much guidance he can provide on replicating his play because no one can mimic his play. I’ll make an effort to try it again, but I can’t guarantee it. Obviously, it’s not like Messi. It is highly significant. It is, after all, our most crucial player. However, we occasionally have to play without them, so it’s crucial for the rest of us to step up and contribute as well.

Jordi Alba is also dealing with an ailment, which makes him questionable for the September 27 cup final match against the Houston Dynamo. Inter Miami’s fitness issues have occurred at the worst possible time because, in addition to their chance at winning more significant awards, they are currently just five points out of the MLS Eastern Conference play-off spots with six regular season games remaining.