Lionel Messi Confident Inter Miami Are Ready to Fight for 2025 MLS Cup After Learning from 2024 Playoff Loss
Lionel Messi expressed confidence that Inter Miami are prepared for a stronger postseason run in 2025 after learning from last year’s early MLS playoff exit. The Argentine forward reflected on the 2024 loss to Atlanta United, acknowledging that defensive weaknesses played a major role in the team’s first-round elimination.
Lionel Messi says Inter Miami learned vital lessons from last year’s MLS playoff loss to Atlanta as they push for the 2025 MLS Cup title.
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Messi explained that Inter Miami’s inconsistency in defense cost them crucial goals during the previous campaign. “There were moments where the team competed at a very high level, but it’s also true that we were irregular defensively,” he said in an interview with Apple TV. “We conceded a lot of goals, and that’s something we still are lacking. We must be better in that area if we really want to win the MLS Cup.”
The Herons allowed six goals across two games against Atlanta, despite managing to score four themselves. That experience, according to Messi, became a valuable lesson for the squad as they moved forward under first-year head coach Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami opened the 2025 MLS playoffs with a win over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium, showcasing progress in their defensive structure. Although Hany Mukhtar found the net for Nashville in the final moments, Miami maintained control for much of the match. “I think this season, like last year, we’ve grown a lot,” Messi noted, emphasizing the team’s improvement and growing chemistry.
Messi also discussed the unique nature of the MLS playoff system, a format different from the league-based competitions he was accustomed to in Europe. “The playoffs are a completely different competition, where the games are different,” he explained. “Teams are much more careful and attentive to every detail as any given situation can knock you out. But we’re prepared to fight and try to win it, what we all want.”
Across his four MLS postseason appearances, Messi has contributed three goals and two assists, continuing to deliver on big occasions. His focus now remains on leading Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup triumph.
When asked if he believes Miami can go all the way, Messi responded with assurance: “Yes, obviously yes, we can. It’s not going to be easy. We have the experience from last year when we finished first in the regular season and then got knocked out in the first round.”
