Tata Martino: “Messi’s arrival has only accelerated soccer’s growth in the US”

Gerardo Martino looked ahead to this evening’s Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC at Geodis Park - a chance for his team to lift the first trophy in the franchise’s history. He’s hopes that Inter Miami’s excellent run in the tournament will be the beginning of something longer lasting.

The Inter Miami coach was asked what he thinks of the possible changes in the MLS after the arrival of Messi and world-class figures such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

“It is clear that Messi’s arrival didn’t change, but rather accelerated this whole situation of growth. Surely it will modify some aspects of the league in what has to do with certain rules regarding the number of the world’s stars players coming here, because there is an economic restriction that does not allow it. I think that from the moment they understand what Leo’s arrival has caused, the rules will surely change and they will take advantage of this situation to continue growing. I have no doubt about that. I always had a very positive view of the US league and its constant growth - not only when I worked here, but also when I worked in Mexico,” Martino explained.

Tata, who was appointed coach at Miami at the end of June, knows that if his team can win the Leagues Cup in such a short space of time, it will serve to motivate the players for when the MLS resumes, as he pointed out, “To be able to come here and win a trophy within the first 45 days will give us a massive boost. It will foster confidence throughout the squad”.

Regarding Messi’s performance level out on the field of play, which has dipped since he became the tournament’s top scorer, Martino attributes it to the Argentine star being happy, relaxed and less fired up.

“The most important example is what he (Messi) said yesterday during his press conference. Both he and his family are happy to be here and it shows. Also just a few days ago, Argentina’s coach (Lionel Scaloni) said that when he is content and happy he is capable of doing very beautiful things and I think this is what happens. In short, I think neither more nor less than what can happen to any of us when you are enjoying your work environment.”

Leagues Cup pros and cons

The former Mexico coach reflected on the tournament in general and how he sees its future with proposals for Liga MX to hosts some of the games in Mexico.

“I reiterate something I said a few weeks ago - when the way in which the tournament is to be played is negotiated or discussed, all of the things that should be discussed are discussed; and when clubs agree, that is the way the competition is played. That said, I think it’s only fair that a tournament can be played where the US teams can be home and away - that they should have to travel like the Mexican teams have done. It would be necessary to review some logistical issues so that all the teams are in the same situation,” he declared.

Leagues Cup versus MLS

Martino already lifted an MLS title when he was coach at Atlanta United. He gave his opinion on the comparison of both competitions. “Obviously winning a league with thirty-something games with play-offs, something that lasts all year and is the main competition in the United States, was a valuable title and the characteristic or importance of this title has to do with the situation that the team brought and what could happen in a short time. I think I wouldn’t seek to find out which one is more relevant, but how one differs from the other, always understanding the possibility of winning the title tomorrow, something that remains to be seen”.

Messi was joined in Miami by two of his old Barcelona team mates - Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The coach praised the trio’s desire to continue competing in MLS.

“When they arrived, all three of them individually said that they had come to compete and win things. Since you don’t have the pressure that basketball, baseball or the NFL has, then the demand is on you, the player. When you find players with a similar trajectory who still want to push themselves and have the desire to win, it is easier for any coach, because they are committed to an idea and are leaders in leading the team on a winning path. I don’t want to speculate with what could happen tomorrow, but I would like to think that this could be the beginning of something good and long lasting,” Martino told reporters.

Favorites

Inter Miami are unbeaten in six Leagues Cup games and some commentators believe that Messi and Co. will be too strong for Nashville in Saturday’s final although the coach believes otherwise.

“In soccer there is no such word as ‘invincible’; it seems to me that in this case, it does not apply. You have to show what you can do over the 90 minutes - it is not enough just to speak in the preview or have superior stats. We have suffered during this tournament and we have chance of winning or losing the final. In this situation, we will be playing as the away team, with most of the home crowd rooting for Nashville, undoubtedly we are going to feel under pressure and that makes the chances of both teams equal”.