Messi: Inter Miami Must Improve Defense to Contend for MLS Cup

Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi stated today that his team needs to strengthen its defensive play if it hopes to be a serious contender for the MLS Cup, despite acknowledging the team’s overall progress.

In an interview that aired Wednesday on Apple TV, Messi highlighted the team’s inconsistency, particularly in conceding goals. “I think this season, like last year, we’ve grown a lot,” Messi said. “It’s true that several new players came in and others left. There were moments where the team competed at a very high level, but it’s also true that we were irregular, defensively, where 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.”

Miami recently won the first game of its Round One playoff series against Nashville SC 3-1 on Saturday. While the club has enjoyed success under Messi, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield – setting a record for most points in a single season – an MLS Cup title remains elusive. Last year, the team was eliminated in the first round of the postseason after finishing first in the regular season. A championship would solidify Messi’s impact on the league and Inter Miami’s place among the MLS elite.

“Yes, obviously yes, we can [win MLS Cup],” Messi affirmed. “It’s not going to be easy… But obviously we’re prepared to fight and try to win it, what we all want.” Miami will play game two of its series with Nashville on Saturday at GEODIS Park, where a victory would clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinal. You can find more information about the MLS Playoffs on the official league website. For a deeper dive into Messi’s career, see his profile on FIFA.com.

Team officials have stated they are focused on addressing the defensive vulnerabilities identified by Messi ahead of Saturday’s crucial match.