“Faced him a few times and and we know obviously his qualities" - Atlanta boss reveals plan to stop Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in Playoffs
Atalanta manager Rob Valentino has opened up on plans to stop Inter Miami's Lionel Messi ahead of their MLS playoff game on Friday, October 25, at the Chase Stadium. The Herons arrive at the game having finished at the top of the Eastern Conference League this season.
The Florida based club are the favorites to win the MLS Cup this season, thanks to the presence of the indomitable Argentinean in their ranks. The 37-year-old has been in spectacular form this season for Inter Miami, and is coming off a run of two hattricks in the last two games for club and country.
Speaking to the MLS website, Valentino amitted that his team will put special focus on Lionel Messi.
“I think that’s every time a team plays them, that’s the question that is asked, right? He’s arguably the best player that’s ever played," said Valentino.
He continued:
“We’ve faced him a few times and and we know obviously his qualities. But also at the same time, they’ve got other players that are good, too. So there has to be a focus on him and also the these teammates around him.”
Luis Suarez has also been impressive for Inter Miami this season, registering 24 goals and 12 assists from 34 games across competitions. However, there's no denying that the Argentinean superstar remains the main man for the Herons.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami?
When Lionel Messi left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2023 to join Inter Miami on a Bosman move, few would have predicted his impact on the club. 36 games on, the Argentinean is now the Herons' record goalscorer.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner completed his hattrick against New England last weekend by scoring his 33rd goal for the club. In the process, the diminutive magician surpassed Leonardo Campana, who managed 32 goals from 98 games during his time at the Chase Stadium.
Lionel Messi helped the Florida based club lift the Leagues Cup last season, which, incidentally, was the first silverware in their history. This year, his efforts have been crucial in powering them to the Supporters Shield.
The Argentinean has scored 22 goals and set up 12 more from 22 games across competitions for Inter Miami this season. His contract with the Florida-based club expires at the end of next season, but he could opt to extend his stay at the Chase Stadium.