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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Nashville USA vs Inter de Miami USA Final Lionel Messi of Inter de Miami during the game Nashville vs Inter de Miami, corresponding to the Great Final of the Leagues Cup 2023, at Geodis Park Stadium, on August 19, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi de Inter de Miami durante el partido Nashville vs Inter de Miami, correspondiente a la Gran Final de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio Geodis Park, el 19 de Agosto de 2023. NASHVILLE TEENNESSEE ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xJosexLuisxMelgarejox 20230819222119_LC_23_FINAL_NSH_MIA_MESSI111
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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Nashville USA vs Inter de Miami USA Final Lionel Messi of Inter de Miami during the game Nashville vs Inter de Miami, corresponding to the Great Final of the Leagues Cup 2023, at Geodis Park Stadium, on August 19, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi de Inter de Miami durante el partido Nashville vs Inter de Miami, correspondiente a la Gran Final de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio Geodis Park, el 19 de Agosto de 2023. NASHVILLE TEENNESSEE ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xJosexLuisxMelgarejox 20230819222119_LC_23_FINAL_NSH_MIA_MESSI111
Inter Miami recently faced a devastating loss against Atlanta United, conceding five goals and losing the game 5-2. It was a shocker for the fans and a tough pill to swallow for the team. While their star player, Lionel Messi, is on a well-deserved break, Inter Miami is gearing up for their next fixture. In the backdrop, an intriguing scenario unfolds: their $690 million worth rivals concede to the potential threat posed by the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as he eyes a comeback in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The club has witnessed a remarkable transformation since Messi joined Inter Miami. At the time of his arrival, they were languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table. However, Messi’s presence sparked a resurgence, as they embarked on an impressive streak of 12 games without a loss. Nonetheless, this streak came to a halt with the recent loss to Atlanta United.
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Before the match even started, MLS rival surrenders to Messi
The recent performance of Inter Miami without La Pulga on the field has raised several questions. Despite his absence, the Messi factor remains, and it’s causing rival teams to take notice. As Inter Miami gears up to face Toronto F.C. in the MLS campaign on September 21, Víctor Vázquez, a midfielder for Toronto F.C., revealed their strategy when asked about how they plan to stop Messi.
Vázquez stated, “There is no plan to stop Messi. The plan is to play our football and try to score more goals than them. This is the plan. Messi is unstoppable, he is special and everyone knows it. We will try to give our best.”
🗣️Vazquez (Toronto): There is no plan to stop Messi. The plan is to play our football and try to score more goals than them. This is the plan. Messi is unstoppable, he is special and everyone knows it. We will try to give our best#Messi #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/DKjlkq5YtV
— Inter Miami FC Hub (@Intermiamifchub) September 18, 2023
Since making his debut for Inter Miami in July, the World Cup winner has already clinched the Leagues Cup with the team. They are now on the cusp of the U.S. Open Cup final. Currently, they sit in 14th place in the MLS Eastern Conference table, with aspirations to secure a spot in the MLS playoffs, with Lionel Messi leading the line.
Messi recently returned from international duty with Argentina but was notably rested for the game against Atlanta United, which raised questions among fans about his absence.
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Where exactly was Lionel Messi during that crucial match?
Interestingly, while the pivotal Atlanta United game was unfolding, Lionel Messi was enjoying a pizza. Just before the match, Messi posted a picture of his preferred pizza in the United States. This unexpected pizza choice created a buzz on social media, sparking fun banter among fans.
While there were reports Messi opted out of the game because of the artificial turf concerns, the real reason behind Messi’s absence from the Atlanta United game was revealed by Tata Martino, Miami’s manager. When questioned about Messi and Jordi Alba’s absence, particularly whether it was related to the playing surface, Martino clarified, “They both have muscular fatigue. It has absolutely nothing to do with the field. We have a final on September 27.”
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MLS, Fussball Herren, USA Inter Miami CF at Los Angeles FC Sep 3, 2023 Los Angeles, California, USA Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi 10 looks to fans after the game against the Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium. Los Angeles BMO Stadium California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20230903_lbm_al2_081
From Tata Martino’s words, it’s evident that Inter Miami is set on winning the U.S. Open Cup final against Houston on September 27. The question remains: Can Inter Miami, with Messi back in the lineup, secure the coveted cup? Or will the recent loss against Atlanta United linger in their minds as they prepare for this crucial final? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
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Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space
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