Inter Miami CF head coach Gerardo Martino has acknowledged the immense pressure his team faces to win the MLS Cup, especially with an impressive lineup that includes the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Despite leading Atlanta United FC to the title in 2018, Martino emphasized that the current expectations on Inter Miami are unprecedented. He expressed in an interview with ESPN that having such star players on the team creates a clear obligation to secure victory, unlike anything he has seen in the MLS before.
Although Inter Miami lifted the Leagues Cup trophy in the 2023 season, they were unable to qualify for the MLS playoffs due to previous results. However, the team has made a remarkable comeback in 2024, boasting the best record in the league and leading the Eastern Conference table. By defeating FC Cincinnati on Aug. 24, Inter Miami sealed their spot in the post-season, giving Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and Alba the opportunity to compete for the league trophy. With Suarez’s contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, this year’s playoffs may be his final chance to help Inter Miami claim the title.
While the pressure to win and the media headlines may be intense, Martino revealed that he does not solely measure a team’s success based on trophies and results. For him, seeing a cohesive team on the field that plays as they train and think is the ultimate marker of success. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and a shared vision, stating that the way a team performs on the field is more critical than the final outcomes. Martino’s perspective provides a refreshing take on success in sports, focusing on the journey and the process rather than just the end result.
Inter Miami will continue to build momentum as they face the Chicago Fire on Aug. 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Messi, who returned to team training the week of Aug. 26, is gradually gaining more playing time alongside his Inter Miami teammates as they prepare for the upcoming challenges. Despite the uncertainties surrounding his return date, Messi’s presence and experience are expected to bolster the team’s performance as they head into the playoffs.
The pressure to win the MLS Cup looms large over Inter Miami CF, especially with star players like Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and Alba on the roster. While the expectations may be high, Coach Martino’s focus on teamwork, unity, and the process of playing the game reflects a deeper understanding of success in soccer. As the team continues to break records and secure victories, their journey towards the playoffs promises to be filled with challenges and opportunities for growth.