Inter Miami face the Columbus Crew tonight in what could be remembered as a historic fixture for Tata Martino’s side.
A win tonight will secure the Heron’s their first Supporters’ Shield title with Inter Miami three points away from only their second piece of major silverware after last year’s Leagues Cup triumph after the arrival of Lionel Messi.
Although the Argentine is fit to play tonight, coach Javier Morales did hint that Messi is not back to 100% match sharpness, a strong indication that the 37-year-old attacker might not play the full 90 minutes after completing the match on Saturday against Charlotte FC.
And Crew manager Wilfried Nancy has now shared what he loves most about Messi’s game.
Wilfried Nancy praises Messi for playing ‘with common sense’
Speaking to the press ahead of tonight’s game, the French manager revealed that he loves how Messi players ‘with common sense’ with the Crew coach praising the Inter Miami star for making the game look simple despite his greatness in soccer.
And Nancy seems excited to take on Inter Miami tonight, with the MLS manager saying when asked how the Crew plan to stop Messi and the Herons this evening in Columbus: “Messi’s Messi, I have massive respect for him.
“He’s been part of my example when I try to teach certain things with my players because he’s a player that yes, obviously, he won many, many things, but also what I like about him is he plays with common sense.
“When there is a pass to make, is going to pass the ball. When they see the moment to dribble, he’s going to do it. And for me, this is this is rare to see.”
Messi will want to put on a show for Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew
Messi was labeled as ‘out of character’ in Inter Miami’s 1-1 draw against Charlotte on Saturday, with the former FC Barcelona superstar yet to return to his best after three months away from MLS action.
Yet as history has shown, Messi is a player for the big occasions, with tonight’s match against the Columbus Crew one of the biggest Inter Miami will compete in since the Argentine’s arrival last year.
And with Messi heading into the game with criticism hanging over him, the 37-year-old will want to put on a show in Ohio, with the reigning Ballon d’Or winner aware that a win tonight means history for Inter Miami.