Inter Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, acknowledges the crucial task of discovering a system that fully harnesses Lionel Messi’s talents as he enters his first complete season in Major League Soccer. While Inter Miami failed to secure a spot in the MLS playoffs, they did claim their first trophy, the Leagues Cup, shortly after Messi’s arrival in July. Martino emphasizes the necessity of optimizing not only Messi’s individual performance but also the entire team’s ability to function cohesively. In this pursuit, the coach acknowledges the need to surprise opponents, increase the team’s fluidity, and minimize predictability.
Martino recognizes the stagnation in Inter Miami’s gameplay, resulting in slower movements and predictable ball circulation, which allowed their opponents to effectively neutralize their strategy. To achieve a better version of the team, Martino explores the challenge of assembling a formidable unit that enhances Messi’s impact. Although attaining this feat is no easy task, the primary focus lies in finding effective ways to support and position Messi while simultaneously concealing the team’s intentions from opposing sides. Martino contemplates innovative approaches that can both optimize Messi’s performance and maintain an element of surprise in the team’s overall gameplay.
Inter Miami secured the services of Lionel Messi following the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury limited the Argentina captain to just five appearances in the MLS, where the team won four, lost four, and drew four matches. Nevertheless, Messi managed to contribute an impressive 11 goals in 14 matches across all competitions for Inter Miami. The addition of Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suárez, has further fortified the team’s attacking prowess.
There is no denying that Messi’s arrival has made Inter Miami the center of attention in Major League Soccer. With an astounding eight Ballon d’Or titles to his name, including the most recent one in late 2021, Messi’s presence is eagerly anticipated by fans and opponents alike. John Herdman, the coach of Toronto FC, highlights the excitement that surrounds matches against Inter Miami, stating that having arguably the greatest player in the history of the game in the league is a remarkable milestone for MLS.
Looking Ahead
Inter Miami’s preseason begins with a game against the El Salvador men’s national team on January 19th. With Messi as their main attraction, the team aims to unlock his full potential by developing a system that optimizes his abilities while maintaining unpredictability and innovation in their gameplay. While the task may be challenging, Gerardo Martino and his coaching staff are determined to create a formidable team that maximizes the talents of their star player and brings success to Inter Miami in the upcoming MLS season.