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via Imago

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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.

Before the match even started, MLS rival surrenders to Messi 

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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.”

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.

Also Read: Hours After Lionel Messi’s FIFA ‘The Best’ Nomination Ex-MLS Icon Tattoos Inter Miami Star’s Signature on His Hand

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.

Where exactly was Lionel Messi during that crucial match?

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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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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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