MLS
Thiago Almada eyes victory over Inter Miami side without Lionel Messi
The world champion is one of the star players at Atlanta United and will have the opportunity to shine against Tata Martino’s men.
Thiago Almada is hoping to lead Atlanta to victory over Inter Miami in MLS this weekend as the Florida side prepare without Lionel Messi in attack.
Almada told ESPN just hours before the news of his compatriot’s absence that he would like to play Messi at home, both for himself and for the fans. “People paid to see him. I hope he can travel, come and play for the fans to enjoy,” the Argentine creator said.
No Messi for Martino
The upside for Almada and Co is that their chances of winning the game against Inter Miami have greatly improved as a result of not having to face Messi. Atlanta are currently 14 points clear of Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference standings.
Atlanta United vs Inter Miami
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Record year for Almada
The 22-year-old is enjoying what is undoubtedly his best season at senior level. In just 25 MLS games he has a total of nine goals and 14 assists, already surpassing last season’s total. Almada, understandably, is a permanent fixture in Gonzálo Pineda’s starting eleven.