Tata Martino reflects on Inter Miami defeat: “We had no desire to compete”

Inter Miami had hoped for a better outcome in Saturday’s matchday 5 trip to New York s guests of the Red Bull. The Herons ended up being thrashed 4-0 - the team’s heaviest defeat since the 5-1 defeat to Austin FC in March 2022. A hat-trick from Lewis Morgan, and Wikelman Carmona strike on the break sealed the match to bring up Miami’s second defeat of the 2024 MLS season.

In the absence of Messi (back training but still recovering from a hamstring injury) along with six other players out on international duty, Tata Martino fielded an attack comprising of Luis Suárez and Leo Campana, with a number of younger players on the bench.

No excuses

In his post-game press conference, the Argentine coach held his hand up to take dull responsibility for the defeat. “We played a very disappointing game, and from here, we can only analyze what went wrong. We had no desire to even compete. There’s not much to say, other than we were outplayed from start to finish and obviously such a defeat makes us think about our ambitions and how far we think we are capable of going if we have to keep changing the team week after week. You cannot come to a place like this and expect an easy ride - regardless of what happened the last time we came. The responsibility belongs to everyone, especially mine as a coach,” Martino began.

What’s next for Inter Miami?

“When a team enters a game without any desire to win, without spirit and doesn’t compete, obviously from the other team’s point of view, all they need to do is want to win and that’s how they’ll beat you,” the Argentinean added.

Martino didn’t want to use Messi’s absence as an excuse as to why his team suffered, telling reporters, ““Being without the best player in the world would be a big deal for any team. But Leo didn’t play against DC last week either...”

Tata and his team will have to quickly turn the page, put this weekend’s defeat behind them and start focusing on what’s coming. Next up is a confrontation with New York City FC at Chase Stadium in the MLS matchday on 30 March followed by the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter finals against Monterrey on 3 April. Both games are at home.

Messi should be be available for the Concacaf game. The Herons aspire to win the trophy, achieving the second title in their history (after the Leagues Cup) and in the process, qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.