Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi stated the group should enhance defensively with the intention to be thought-about contenders to win MLS Cup, including that each participant on the group is ready to combat for the trophy.
“I feel this season, like final 12 months, we have grown rather a lot,” stated Messi in an interview that aired Wednesday on Apple TV. “It is true that a number of new gamers got here in and others left. There have been moments the place the group competed at a really excessive stage, nevertheless it’s additionally true that we have been irregular, defensively, the place we conceded a number of objectives, and that is one thing we nonetheless are missing.
“We have to be higher in that space If we actually wish to win the MLS Cup.
Miami received the primary sport of its Spherical One playoff collection towards Nashville SC 3-1 on Saturday.
Final 12 months, Miami misplaced its best-of-three collection towards Atlanta United FC and was eradicated within the first spherical of the postseason.
“Sure, clearly sure, we will [win MLS Cup]. It isn’t going to be simple,” Messi stated. “We’ve got the expertise from final 12 months after we completed first within the common season after which bought knocked out within the first spherical.
“I feel the playoffs are a totally completely different competitors, the place the video games are completely different. The groups are way more cautious and attentive to each element as with every given scenario you may be knocked out. However clearly we’re ready to combat and attempt to win it, what all of us need.”
Throughout Messi’s time in Miami, the membership received the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy, the 2024 Supporters’ Protect and set the document for many factors in a single season, however has but to raise MLS Cup because the World Cup winner joined the group in 2023.
The Herons additionally competed within the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and FIFA Membership World Cup throughout the 2025 marketing campaign, however didn’t win a trophy in any of these competitions.
“Though we did not win in any competitors, it was a optimistic 12 months and we nonetheless have the chance to do the very best by profitable MLS,” Messi stated.
Miami performs sport two of its collection with Nashville on Saturday at GEODIS Park, the place the Herons can clinch a spot within the Jap Convention semifinal with a victory.
