In a recent press conference, Philadelphia Union’s Head Coach Jim Curtin declared Lionel Messi the greatest player of all time. This proclamation followed Philadelphia Union’s 4-1 loss to the Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup semifinal. The statement not only illustrates the reverence Messi commands but also underscores his ongoing influence on Major League Soccer (MLS), even just a month and a half into his American soccer journey.
Inter Miami, led by Gerardo “Tata” Martino, finds itself in a state of euphoria as the team reaches its first-ever final, propelled by an upward trajectory in performance. The team’s transformation, despite still residing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference of the MLS, has been centered around the cornerstone that Messi represents. His mere presence, both with and without the ball, significantly impacts the flow of any game, a fact evident in the six matches he has played, where he has scored nine goals.
Under Martino’s guidance, the team has reorganized its tactics to play more compactly and harmoniously, capitalizing on Messi’s presence to bolster the entire squad’s performance. This strategic shift has resulted in a more cohesive structure and an attacking force that has netted 22 goals in the six matches.
Inter Miami’s journey to the Leagues Cup final hasn’t been without its challenges. The team, known as the “Yellow Team,” surprised many by knocking out formidable opponents like Cincinnati, América de México, and Monterrey. Despite their impressive cup run, they currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 44 points, trailing Philadelphia Union, New England, and Cincinnati.
Messi himself acknowledged the strong level of Mexican teams and praised the high quality of American teams. This sentiment is reflected in Inter Miami’s style of play under Gary Smith, characterized by dynamic and aggressive football, with a sharp offensive edge.
As the final approaches, all eyes are on the clash between Inter Miami and Nashville SC. The latter is led by Elliot Panicco, a towering goalkeeper at 1.96 meters, and boasts talents like German player Hany Mukhtar and British forward Sam Surridge. The final offers Messi the chance to further cement his legendary status by potentially clinching his 44th title, alongside his former FC Barcelona teammate Dani Alves.
The challenge lies in overcoming a competitive rival that plays a strong game. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of the “Messi tsunami,” as he continues to demonstrate why he’s regarded as the king of football in a country that has warmly embraced him.
Possible lineups: Nashville SC: Elliot Panicco; Shaquell Moore, Lukas MacNaughton, Walker Zimmerman, Daniel Lovitz; Alex Muyl, Dax McCarty, Aníbal Godoy, Fabrice-Jean Picault; Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge. Coach: Gary Smith.
Inter Miami: Drake Callender; DeAndre Yedlin, Serhiy Kryvtsov, Kamal Miller, Jordi Alba; Dixon Arroyo, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi; Robert Taylor, Lionel Messi, Josef Martínez. Coach: Gerardo Martino.
In summary, Messi’s entry into MLS with Inter Miami has triggered a significant shift in the team’s dynamics, leading them to their first final. The stage is set for an intense showdown that could further elevate Messi’s legacy while showcasing the growing stature of soccer in the United States.