Lionel Messi has issued a stern warning to his Inter Miami teammates, urging them to avoid the "silly mistakes" that hampered their regular season as they head into the highly competitive MLS Cup Playoffs. The 37-year-old superstar is determined to lead Miami on a deep playoff run, and he’s leaving no room for complacency.
After an impressive season in which Inter Miami topped the MLS Eastern Conference, Messi remains cautious as they prepare for the playoffs. The Argentine icon, who joined Inter Miami mid-season and quickly became a transformational presence, emphasized that the errors made in regular games simply "can't happen" now that the stakes are higher. Despite their successful season, he knows that in a playoff format, a single mistake could spell elimination.
In an interview with Fabrizio Romano, Messi reflected on the lessons learned during their season and set expectations for the playoffs: “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.”
Messi's message underscores the high expectations he has set for himself and his teammates as they strive to capture their first MLS Cup. His remarks reflect his experience in high-stakes competitions and the importance of approaching every game with unwavering focus.
Since arriving in the MLS, Messi has been a monumental figure for Inter Miami, helping to elevate the club's stature both on and off the pitch. He led Miami to its first-ever trophy in 2023, securing the Leagues Cup, and has now set his sights on the ultimate prize: the MLS Cup. Messi’s influence has not only improved Miami’s performance but has also brought a new level of excitement to the league.
Having already won the first game of their three-match playoff series against Atlanta 2-1, Miami is in a strong position. However, Messi knows the challenges that lie ahead, especially as other teams ramp up their game in the playoffs. He is determined to guide Inter Miami with a mindset focused on discipline and minimizing risks.
Inter Miami’s next playoff clash against Atlanta is scheduled for Saturday, where a victory would secure their advancement to the Eastern Conference semi-finals. There, they would face either Orlando City or Charlotte FC. However, if Miami fails to win, the series will extend to a decisive third match with Atlanta on November 10.
As Messi continues to bring his experience and drive to Inter Miami, fans are hopeful that his leadership will propel the team to further success in the MLS playoffs, cementing his legacy in the American soccer landscape. With his sights firmly set on another championship, Messi’s warning serves as both motivation and a reminder of the hard work ahead.
