Lionel Messi grabbed the spotlight after he joined Inter Miami in the States. Soccer fans commended David Beckham for pulling off the groundbreaking agreement for the Herons amidst their challenging season. However, a rival coach suggested that it was actually not Beckham but another important person at Inter Miami who played a pivotal role in La Pulga’s move to the South Florida side.

Miami FC brought the ex-Barcelona manager in the mid-season, replacing Phil Neville following their lackluster performances. The Argentine coach impacted the team immensely with leadership and tactical consistency within the squad. Moreover, the Philadelphia Union’s coach pointed out that the 60-year-old manager established a strong bond with Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Leo Messi from the early years. This helped him to forge a formidable synergy with the newly signed players for the Herons.

Rival coach remarks on the arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Jim Curtin, Philadelphia Union’s coach, highlighted that Lionel Messi and his former teammates developed a close relationship with Gerardo Martino during their tenure at Barcelona. Inter Miami’s prospect was preferable for these legends only when the Argentine manager took charge of the squad for the remainder of the season.

Curtin remarked in an interview, “Sometimes people forget, he was the first piece,’ Curtin told the Miami Herald. ‘I think Messi comes because Tata’s there. Busquets comes because Tata’s there. And Alba, as well. He was the first move in this whole thing that really transformed the club.”

The ex-Barca manager established a foundation by implementing key alternatives in their tactical strategy for Inter Miami. Furthermore, Jim Curtin also highly regarded the former Atlanta United coach and described the influence he created within the squad.

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Jim Curtin’s appreciation for the Herons manager

Tata Martino was the first piece of puzzle for Inter Miami that aided them to resolve the unfortunate 11-match losing streak. After his arrival, the Herons lost just one out of 14 games, netting 39 goals and securing their first-ever League Cup. Martino’s offensive style of play suited Inter Miami well this season. Additionally, He employed effective leadership and strategic decisions to guide Miami FC from the bottom of the MLS standings to contention for the play-off spot.

On this note, Jim Curtin also said,” He’s the leader, an incredible coach, an incredible person. When you think of Tata, you can see how his players respond and react to him almost like a father figure who is an incredible soccer mind, as well.’ Fans are optimistic that Martino and Miami can secure a favorable outcome against Orlando City and aim to solidify their standings in the Eastern Conference.

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Do you feel Tata Martino’s presence influenced Lionel Messi and his former teammate to join Inter Miami? Comment below and let us know.