"Tata needs to go tonight, not tomorrow" - Inter Miami fans furious after Lionel Messi's side crash out of MLS Cup playoffs
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Atlanta United on Saturday in the final leg of the best-of-three MLS Playoffs Round One. The Herons crashed out of the playoffs as a result.
The Florida-based side arrived at the game needing a win to progress to the Conference Semifinals. They went ahead in the game through Matias Rojas' 17th-minute strike. However, the visitors got back into the game and subsequently took a 2-1 lead thanks to a brace from Jamal Thiare.
Lionel Messi briefly sparked talk of a comeback by scoring a superb header in the 65th minute. However, Atlanta restored their lead through Bartosz Slisz in the 76th minute and ultimately won the game.
Fans were in disbelief after the game and took to social media to vent their anger. One insisted that Inter Miami should immediately sack Gerardo Martino.
"Sack Tata, BUY DEFENDERS MY GOODNESS"
Another added:
"Tata out scammers"
One fan urged the Herons to sign some defenders, quipping:
"Get me some quality defenders man"
Another insisted that the squad as well as the management needs a revamp, commenting:
"New defenders and new management. Bye Tata."
Another added:
"Sack Tata , such a awful defence"
One fan insisted that it was Lionel Messi's greatness that had saved the Inter Miami manager so far, stating:
"Messi’s greatness bailed Tata for too long. Tata needs to go, tonight, not tomorrow."
Messi previously guided the Herons to the Supporters' Shield this season.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami this season?
Lionel Messi has rolled back the years with Inter Miami this season. While he couldn't guide the team past the final hurdle, the Argentinean was still outstanding for the club.
The 37-year-old scored 23 times and set up 13 more from 25 games this season. His efforts helped the club secure the top place in the Eastern Conference table and win the Supporters' Shield.
Messi arrived at the Chase Stadium in the summer of 2023 once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired. He transformed Inter Miami's fortunes in just over a year, taking them from the bottom half of the MLS to title favorites.
The Argentinean is now the club's top scorer with 33 goals from 38 games. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's contract with the Herons expires at the end of next year. It is unclear whether the diminutive magician will extend his stay at the Chase Stadium beyond 2025.