Inter Miami missed the chance to advance early, losing 1-2 to Atlanta United in the second of three matches in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs on November 3, after winning by the same score in the first match on October 26. Messi and his teammates now have to play the third match and must win to advance.
Messi had a long private conversation with coach Tata Martino on the training ground on November 8.
"If they fail, the 2024 season will officially end early for them. Although they won the MLS Supporters' Shield with a record number of points, failing to win the MLS Cup will also be an unsuccessful season for Messi and Inter Miami," according to the Miami Herald (USA).
In the upcoming "final" match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United at Chase Stadium, if the two teams are tied after 90 minutes of official play, a penalty shootout will be held to determine the winner, without playing 2 extra halves.
Extra time is only used in the semifinals, the finals, and the MLS Cup final (between the Eastern and Western Conference champions). If the game is still tied after extra time, a penalty shootout will be played.
Given the crucial nature of the match, Messi had a long private conversation with coach Tata Martino right on the training ground. This is something that rarely happens, as the 37-year-old player rarely has conversations with coaches right before a decisive match for his club or national team.
However, Messi's concern for Inter Miami's situation ahead of the rematch with Atlanta United is understandable, as key midfielder Busquets may be absent again (he has flu and injury and has not yet recovered enough to return to training). In addition, other midfielders Yannick Bright, Diego Gomez and defender David Martinez are also not able to return.
Inter Miami's current squad still relies too much on the remaining three stars including Messi, Suarez and Jordi Alba. Besides, midfielder Federico Redondo will be the biggest hope to replace the role left by Busquets.
Messi chose to relax before the crucial match, by going to watch his sons play for the Inter Miami Academy team.
According to the Miami Herald : "MLS, Apple TV, Adidas and all of Inter Miami and Messi's other sponsors are certainly counting on David Beckham's team to advance to the knockout stages and compete for its first MLS Cup. However, Atlanta United has shown its mettle. This team could completely stop and shatter all dreams of Messi and Inter Miami for the rest of the 2024 season."
If Inter Miami still doesn't have Busquets back, Messi is the one who is expected to shine in time to help the home team continue. Chase Stadium will be full for the upcoming match as 21,550 tickets for the match have been sold, the Miami Herald said.
After this match, Messi will return to the Argentina team to compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America, against Paraguay (away) and Peru (home), at 6:30 a.m. on November 15 and 7 a.m. on November 20, respectively.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-gap-rieng-hlv-tata-martino-truoc-tran-chung-ket-cua-inter-miami-18524110810563604.htm
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