“Don’t Jump the Gun!” – Tata Martino Warns Fans Despite Lionel Messi & Inter Miami’s Win at MLS Season Opener

Despite a turbulent preseason of all sorts Inter Miami started its campaign with a win. It was a good performance where they controlled the game to a large extent and created chances. At the center of it all was Lionel Messi. The Herons supporters enjoyed what they saw, and the expectations began to set in. However, coach Tata Martino played down the feelings and said, “Don’t jump the gun, it’s just one game“.

The Argentine manager added that the performance was far from perfect, with the 2nd half not up to the mark. He explained, “We’re going to continue to work on what we showed in the first half. There are still some things that have to be corrected.” It seems Martino is referring to the defensive lapses. The defense was all over the place and Inter Miami conceded more chances than they would have liked. Even experienced players like Sergio Busquets made mistakes in possession.

Fortunately, for Lionel Messi & Co., the opponents weren’t at their clinical best. Besides losing the 3 points, Real Salt Lake also saw one of their long-standing records shattered. This is the first time in 14 years that Real Salt Lake has lost their opening game. Largely, thanks to a scintillating Messi performance. Even though he did not get on the scoresheet, he did provide an assist and was the dictator of Inter Miami’s play.

Messi’s arrival midway last season coincided with Inter Miami winning their first-ever trophy. Being his first full season, can he potentially lead the Herons to the MLS Cup? Despite, Martino’s warning, it will be hard to control the excitement. Especially if Lionel Messi keeps producing moments like he did today.

Lionel Messi’s viral moment is the talk of the town

In the 43rd minute of the game, the Inter Miami ace nearly produced one of the most jaw-dropping goals in soccer history. The soccer icon was fighting for the ball with 2 opponents. In typical Lionel Messi style, he effortlessly dribbled past the duo, and then magic happened. One of the Real Salt Lake players was lying down on the ground, injured. Messi casually lobbed the ball over him before unleashing a strike that was blocked.

Read More: Will Smith & Ex-NFL Icon Pour Support for David Beckham’s Inter Miami & Lionel Messi at MLS 2024 Season Opener

Fans were amazed by the piece of wizardry. Furthermore, ‘El Pistolero’ Luis Suarez also generated quite a reaction from the fans. The striker in his MLS debut assisted Diego Gomez’s goal in the 83rd minute. As far as debuts go, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Is the hype justified? What is your prediction for Herons in the coming campaign? Let us know below.

Read More: 4X Grammys Nominated Artist Set for Special ‘National’ Performance at MLS 2024 Season Opener Between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami & Real Salt Lake City