Inter Miami missed the chance to secure an early berth to the next round, as they lost 1-2 to Atlanta United in the second game of a “2-match” series in the first round of the MLS Cup (American professional soccer tournament) play-offs, on November 3, after winning by the same score in the first game on October 1. Messi and his teammates now have to play the third game and must win to continue.

Messi had a long private chat with coach Tata Martino at the training ground on 8.11 November.

“If they fail, the 2024 season will officially end soon for them. Even though he won the MLS Supporters’ Shield title with a record score, not being able to win the MLS Cup will also be a failed season for Messi and Inter Miami,” according to the newspaper. Miami Herald (America).

In the “final” match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United at Chase Stadium here, if the two teams are tied after 2 minutes of official play, a penalty shootout will be held to determine the winner and loser, without 90 overtime periods.

Overtime is only applied in the knockout matches of the semi-finals, regional finals and MLS Cup finals (between the 2 regional champions of the East and West). After that, a penalty shootout will be held if the match is still tied after 2 overtimes.

Given the crucial nature of the match, Messi just had a long private conversation with coach Tata Martino right on the training ground. This is something that rarely happens, as this 37-year-old ans rarely has conversations with the coach just before a decisive match for the club or the team.

However, it is understandable that Messi is worried about the situation of Inter Miami just before the rematch against Atlanta United, when key midfielder Busquets could be absent again (suffering from flu and an injury that has not yet recovered). In addition, other midfielders Yannick Bright, Diego Gomez and defender David Martinez are not able to return.

The current Inter Miami team still relies too much on the other three famous players, including Messi, Suarez and Jordi Alba. In addition, midfielder Federico Redondo will be the biggest hope to replace the role left by Busquets.

Messi chose to relax before the key match, going to watch his sons play for the Inter Miami Academy team.

According to the Miami Herald sheet: “MLS, Apple TV, Adidas and all the other sponsors of Inter Miami and Messi are certainly counting on David Beckham’s team as chairman and co-owner to advance deep into the tournament playoffs and compete for the first MLS Cup championship trophy. However, Atlanta United has shown its mettle. This team can completely stop and destroy all of Messi’s and Inter Miami’s dreams for the remainder of the 2024 season.”

If Inter Miami still does not have Busquets back, Messi is the one who should shine in time to lead the home team forward. Chase Stadium for the next match will be full when 21,550 match tickets have been sold, the Miami Herald sheets said.

After this match, Messi will focus again on the Argentina team to play the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup in South America, meeting Paraguay (away) and Peru (home), respectively at 6:30 on November 15.11 and 7:20.11. November XNUMX.