According to coach Tata Martino, although he did not score, Lionel Messi had a decisive influence on the victory, especially the assist in the extra minute of the 2023 US Cup semi-final.
"In addition to his technical contributions, Messi motivates his teammates, the coaching staff and the club with his enthusiasm and leadership. He always finds the answer in every moment of the game," said coach Martino after the win over Cincinnati. "The second assist was great. Messi made things that other players found difficult into simple things. It was a super assist."
Coach Martino celebrates with Messi after winning the 2023 Leagues Cup. Photo: EP
At TQL Stadium, Miami was two goals down to the home team, facing the risk of defeat in the 2023 US Cup semi-finals. However, Messi's class spoke up again. In the 68th minute, from a free kick on the left wing, Messi passed the ball to Leonardo Campana who jumped high to head the ball, shortening the score to 1-2. In the seventh minute of extra time, Messi retreated to the middle of the field to get the ball and suddenly crossed early. The ball slipped past a Cincinnatti defender and poured behind right at Campana's head, allowing the Ecuadorian striker to equalize 2-2.
In extra time, each side scored another goal and the score was 3-3. In the penalty shootout, Messi completed his task, helping Inter Miami win 5-4. This was the first time the 36-year-old striker did not score. In the previous seven matches, he contributed 10 goals, helping the home team win all and win the Leagues Cup - the first title in the club's history.
Cincinnati - Inter Miami match progress.
Delighted with the victory, coach Martino is also worried about Messi's fitness. Except for his debut - coming on as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Cruz Azul on July 22, his compatriot started and played the remaining seven matches. "Like many players, Leo is reaching his physical limit," Martino said. "From now on, we will evaluate our approach for the next three matches."
Following Martino's statement, the Argentina national team's Twitter account also expressed concern for Messi's fitness. "Messi needs a lot of rest. Really needs it," they wrote.
Messi celebrates after his team's win over Cincinnati. Photo: Inter Miami
In the next match on August 27, Miami will visit the New York Red Bulls. This is expected to be Messi's debut in the MLS. Fans are eager to see how he performs in the number one soccer league in North America. Therefore, the decision to rest Messi or not may not be purely a technical matter for coach Martino.
The vastness of the United States makes travel more physically demanding. Miami’s DRV PNK home stadium is more than 2,000 km away from Red Bull Arena, while the return trip from Cincinnati is 1,760 km. Several players in Miami’s squad, even younger than Messi, showed signs of fatigue against Cincinnati.
Inter Miami was founded in 2018. They joined MLS two years later, finishing 19th, 20th and sixth in three seasons. David Beckham’s team is currently bottom of the table after 22 games in the 2023 season, with five wins, three draws and 14 losses. Before signing Messi, Miami had gone 11 games without a win.
Vinh San (according to Essentially Sports )
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