INTER MIAMI
Tata Martino talks Messi, Inter Miami, international break and more...
Tata Martino appeared before the press after Inter Miami’s victory at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Tata Martino spoke to the media at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles to discuss Inter Miami’s victory over LAFC, reigning MLS champions. The Argentine coach was satisfied after his team’s win against one of the league’s toughest rivals. Now, and with an international break in between, Inter Miami will have to prepare to continue their steady march towards the playoffs.
Messi changes MLS
“The atmosphere in New York and the two days we’ve been in Los Angeles, are the most I’ve been able to see,” said Martino. “In other cities like Cincinnati or Nashville, I didn’t go out so much and I couldn’t observe it. But in these two cities, the truth is that what Leo Messi’s arrival in MLS has caused is something that is very difficult to describe in words. Messi has changed MLS. You have to come and believe it.”
Best Inter Miami game since his arrival
“We have had many tough games. I think that because of the level of the opponent, tonight’s game was the most complex and the one in which we competed the best. In other matches, we have even been outplayed at times. In today’s match, we competed well. I value it all the more because LAFC is a very good team.”
Facundo Farias’ performance
“Facu is able to complement both Josef (Martínez) and Campana. It happens that in today’s match, we understood that it was better to play with Messi and Facu to see if we could create superiority with their backline in midfield. With the arrival of the players we have had, the squad is much more complete. We have more options to choose from, and we can prepare for matches much better.”
Playoff possibilities for Inter Miami
“We took on Leagues Cup and the Open Cup semis and we have competed well, including winning a title. Obviously, we will try to fight as far as the numbers will let us. The only thing that matters to us is the three points. Imagine how much last week’s points would be worth. When you play against the clock these things happen. We’re on a roll. This week we have seven points out of nine.”
Game against Kansas
“We will try to put together the best team we can for that game. That’s what we have ahead of us. It’s the only game we have to play during the international break. After that, we will try to make sure that the players who are away with their national teams arrive safely. We have to continue on this path to qualify. Now more than ever we must not let up and try to do so until the numbers allow us to do so.”