Lionel Messi‘s quest to win the MLS Cup with Inter Miami got here to an finish because the crew misplaced 3-2 to Atlanta United within the deciding match of their best-of-three sequence, eliminating them within the first spherical of the playoffs. Following the defeat, head coach Tata Martino made shocking feedback about Messi’s future with the crew.
“I really don’t know the way restricted [Messi’s time in MLS] is,” Martino admitted, in accordance with The Each day Mirror. “There’s a query of time passing, however I’d not dare to say that it’s so brief,” he added concerning the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs till December 2025, leaving him sufficient time to think about his subsequent steps. The World Cup champion has expressed his dedication to the membership’s progress. “My love for this sport is immense. We got here right here to make this membership even better. I didn’t come to retire,” he mentioned in October whereas accepting Marca’s America Legend award.
Miami’s excessive expectations dashed
Miami had a dominant MLS common season, successful the Supporters’ Protect because the crew with the most factors throughout each Conferences. They entered the playoffs as favorites to win the MLS Cup however faltered after taking the lead within the quarterfinal sequence. Regardless of successful the opening match (2-1) at Chase Stadium, Atlanta United compelled a decider with a house victory (2-1).
ionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts in opposition to Atlanta United through the second half of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup playoffs (Megan Briggs/Getty Pictures)
Within the ultimate match, Matias Rojas scored early for Miami, however Jamal Thiare’s fast double put Atlanta forward. Regardless of Brad Guzan’s spectacular efficiency in aim, Messi leveled the sport with a close-range header. Nevertheless, Bartosz Silsz‘s late winner sealed the upset for Atlanta.
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Martino defends Inter Miami’s progress amid disappointment
Whereas Messi has lifted trophies with Miami, together with the Supporters’ Protect, he has but to win the MLS Cup since becoming a member of the crew. Final 12 months, Miami did not make the playoffs, largely on account of Messi’s harm.
Reflecting on the crew’s progress, Martino mentioned, “In case you take a look at the context through which this started, it appears to me that the membership’s progress is important. Evaluating the ultimate sport of final season to at this time’s playoff loss, it’s clear the membership’s aims have developed. I see no cause why the crew can’t proceed to push ahead subsequent 12 months.“
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He added, “What occurred this 12 months—the nice and the dangerous—has been higher than something within the membership’s historical past. ” Trying forward, Miami will take part within the FIFA Membership World Cup subsequent 12 months, having certified because the Supporters’ Protect winner and host nation consultant.
