Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are among the many high contenders to win the 2025 MLS Cup after ending third within the common season. With the playoffs underway, the Argentine star has set trustworthy expectations for the Herons as they chase their first main trophy of the 12 months.
In Javier Mascherano’s first season as head coach, the Herons have competed on a number of fronts, together with the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and the FIFA Membership World Cup, however have struggled within the last phases of the competitions, nonetheless with out lifting a trophy in 2025.
In an interview with Fabrizio Romano, Messi was requested if Inter Miami may go all the way in which within the MLS Cup, and the Argentine legend didn’t hesitate: “Sure, clearly sure, we are able to, it’s not going to be a simple factor. We’ve the expertise from final 12 months, after we completed first within the common season, after which within the first match, we bought knocked out.“
Reflecting on that 2024 playoff defeat to Atlanta United, Messi was candid in regards to the problem forward. “I feel the playoffs are a separate competitors, the place video games are totally different, the groups are way more cautious and attentive to every thing, to each element, as any given scenario you might be knocked out. However clearly we’re ready to compete, to battle and o attempt to win it. What all of us need,” Messi acknowledged.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring in opposition to Nashville SC.
After ending third within the Japanese Convention, Inter Miami had been drawn in opposition to sixth-placed Nashville SC within the first spherical of the playoffs. The Herons earned a 3–1 win within the opening leg final Friday and can look to advance to the subsequent spherical on Sunday, November 1, when Messi and firm journey to Geodis Park.
see additionally
Excellent news for Messi: Inter Miami announce contract extension for key participant forward of upcoming MLS season
As soon as once more, Messi has been the driving drive behind Inter Miami’s success, tallying 39 targets and 19 assists in 44 appearances throughout all competitions and securing the 2025 MLS Golden Boot. With each the MLS Cup and the Japanese Convention title nonetheless in play, the Argentine legend has two extra probabilities to keep away from a trophyless season.
Messi on Inter Miami’s modifications and struggles
After dominating the league in 2024, setting a report for probably the most factors in a single common season and claiming the Supporters’ Protect, Inter Miami underwent important modifications in 2025, each on the sideline and throughout the squad. Nonetheless, led by a resurgent Messi, the Herons stay in competition for silverware.
Requested in regards to the workforce’s evolution this 12 months, Messi defined: “I feel this 12 months, like final 12 months too we grew rather a lot. It’s true that a number of new gamers got here and lots of others left. I feel the workforce… It had a second the place it knew the way to compete at a excessive degree, the place it’s additionally true that we had been very inconsistent, particularly defensively, the place we conceded quite a lot of targets, and that’s one thing the place we’re nonetheless missing in our defensive work if we actually need to compete and be champions of the MLS.“
Messi closed on an optimistic notice, reflecting on Inter Miami’s 2025 marketing campaign. “And nicely, I feel it was a 12 months, though we didn’t win in any competitors, it was a constructive 12 months, the place we nonetheless have the chance to do out finest by successful the MLS,” he acknowledged.
