Leo Messi excited at possibility of Leagues Cup title with Inter Miami

For the first time since his arrival in the U.S., Lionel Messi spoke to the media, at a press conference organised by his new side Inter Miami and ahead of the Leagues Cup final they play on Saturday against Nashville SC. If Messi and his new team are triumphant, they will lift their first title.

Messi, speaking in Spanish, made it clear on several occasions just how happy he is with his new club, but admitted his focus right now is all on Saturday’s final. He said that was in fact his second target since he arrived at the club, with his first being qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup, a feat Inter Miami completed by winning their semi-final of the Leagues Cup.

“I think that the team has made great strides since the arrival of [coach] Tata and we are very happy to have satisfied his first objective, which was to be one of the three going into the Concachampions for next year and now we’ve got the final”, explained Messi.

Messi was clearly excited to be playing in his first final with Inter Miami and sent a message to all the team’s fans, who have shown him unconditional support since his arrival. If he wins the title he’ll dedicate it to everyone in Miami.

“It would be incredible to win the title, both for me and for all the people at the club who are fans of the club. They are betting on continuing to grow, to make significant changes, and to continue being leaders. I believe that winning titles helps a lot and it would be amazing. It’s beautiful how the Inter fans come to support us every game. It’s a very young club that hasn’t been around for long, and winning our first title would be wonderful for everyone,” he added.

[Messi’s press conference starts at 9′50″]

Messi talks about the growth of Inter Miami and praises Liga MX

Finally, the Argentine star highlighted the major efforts that Inter Miami has made throughout the Leagues Cup. Just like Messi, coach Gerardo Martino, ‘Tata’, and his teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, are recent arrivals at the club and took on a serious challenge, which, according to Messi, is not an easy one for the MLS, in particular given the quality, of their rivals from the Liga MX.

“Since this competition began, we knew it was a fresh start because a new coach had come in and there were new players, but we adapted well. However, we knew it was an opportunity to change the situation given how the results had been coming along, but it was a good chance to improve and compete. We had to compete against Mexican teams that are of a very good standard. Mexican teams are competitive and show their level not only in Mexico. The MLS demonstrated that it can go toe-to-toe with those Mexican teams,” he concluded.