"Back stronger next year" - Lionel Messi breaks silence following Inter Miami's shock MLS Cup exit
Lionel Messi reacted on social media platform Instagram following Inter Miami's shock exit from the MLS Cup. After a brilliant league season, the Herons went into the Cup playoffs, widely seen as the favorites to become MLS Champions. However, they were unable to get past Atlanta United.
Both teams faced off in a best-of-three tie, which needed either side to win two games. Inter Miami beat Atlanta 2-1 in their first match, setting the stage for an easy second game. However, Atlanta beat them 2-1 in the next match, putting the pressure on both teams to win the third on November 9.
A hard-fought game saw Inter Miami fall short, as Atlanta United beat them 3-2 at the Chase Stadium, ending Lionel Messi's hopes of clinching the MLS Cup. The legendary Argentine playmaker broke his silence with a post on Instagram that read:
"A season in which we continued to grow as a club has come to an end and, although we achieved some objectives, we wanted more. Thanks to all the people who accompanied and supported us. Now we are going to prepare to come back stronger next year."
It was a fairly successful season for the Herons, as they did win the Supporters' Shield. Lionel Messi was a big part of their efforts, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists in just 19 MLS games. However, their season has now come to an end.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, have progressed to the Conference Semi-final, where they face Orlando City at the Inter & Co. Stadium on November 23 (EST).
How Atlanta beat Lionel Messi and Inter Miami: Brad Guzan
Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan has spoken about their tie against Inter Miami and how they managed to stop Lionel Messi and his teammates. The goalkeeper revealed (via GOAL):
"Obviously [Miami] have a very good team with very good individuals who are extremely talented – best player in the world. And so we don't have that. And so how do we make up the difference?
"We make that up with working for each other, and defending and doing hard running and tackling. When you do things like that, you're able to give yourself an opportunity. And tonight, we were able to take those chances and finish it off."
The 40-year-old goalkeeper has won the MLS Cup with Atlanta United in 2018 and he has another big chance to clinch the trophy again. He has been a big part of Atlanta's recent successes, winning both the US Open Cup and the Campeones Cup in 2019.