“We made a lot of mistakes, many of which could’ve been avoided” - Lionel Messi warns Inter Miami as they aim to win MLS Cup
Lionel Messi has warned Inter Miami as the Herons aspire to win the MLS Cup this season. They notably won the Supporters' Shield, clinching the trophy with an eight-point gap.
Inter Miami have reached the MLS Cup Playoffs, where they will face Atlanta United in a best-of-three series. Miami have already won the first game 2-1 at the Chase Stadium on October 26. The second match will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, November 2, while the third will be played at the Chase Stadium on November 9.
Inter Miami know they need to win the upcoming match to progress to the Eastern Conference semi-finals. If they lose, the third match will be the deciding clash that determines which team progresses.
Lionel Messi has warned his teammates about making silly mistakes, which could cost them the MLS Cup. In an interview with Fabzrio Romano, he said (via GOAL):
“Throughout the year, we made a lot of mistakes, many of which could have been avoided. Many of the mistakes were silly ones, to say the very least."
"That can’t happen during the playoffs because a mistake can cost you dearly and get you eliminated. We have to be stronger than ever and seize the advantage we’ve got,” he added.
The Argentine ace has hardly put a foot wrong this season, especially in the MLS. He has scored 20 goals and provided 10 assists in just 19 league games this season. The Barcelona legend also provided an assist in their first playoff clash against Atlanta.
He will hope his Inter Miami teammates can take his advice, which could see them progress through the playoffs and clinch another trophy this season.
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi answers questions about his future and looming retirement
Lionel Messi has responded to rumors about his future and potential retirement, discussing his availability for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. With the legendary Argentine now 37, it is hardly any surprise that questions surrounding his potential retirement have increased.
The 2022 World Cup winner spoke about his future with some uncertainty, explaining to Fabrizio Romano (via ESPN):
"I don't know [if I will play in the 2026 World Cup], they ask me a lot, especially in Argentina. I hope to finish this year well, and start the year having a good preseason, which I didn't have last year due to all the trips we had."
"From there, I will see how I am doing and feeling. We are close, but at the same time it's a lot of time and anything can happen in football. I don't think, simply living the day to day without thinking beyond," he added.
Lionel Messi is widely expected to play for Argentina in the upcoming World Cup, as La Albiceleste will look to defend the trophy. However, his focus currently will be the MLS Playoffs with Inter Miami.