Inter Miami begin their play-off run this week, with the Herons facing Atlanta United in a best-of-three series.
The Five Stripes eliminated CF Montreal on penalties to set up an enticing play-off tie with Inter Miami, who head into the post-season as the overwhelming favorites to win MLS Cup for the first time in their history.
With Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick in Inter Miami’s final regular season game against the New England Revolution, the Florida franchise have hit peak form at the perfect time this year with a second piece of silverware on the line for the Herons.
Yet Atlanta interim manager Rob Valentino is eager to stop Inter Miami and Messi dead in their tracks.
Atlanta to put special focus on Messi and Inter Miami supporting cast
Speaking to MLS’s official website, the former Orlando City SC defender shared how Atlanta plan to put special defensive focus on Messi as well as the Inter Miami supporting cast, who this season have been just as important as the Argentine.
Messi has missed almost half of Inter Miami’s games this season, and although the 37-year-old is now in peak form, the Herons have shown that they have more weapons than just the former FC Barcelona superstar.
Valentino said when asked how he will deal with Messi and Inter Miami: “I think that’s every time a team plays them, that’s the question that is asked, right? He’s arguably the best player that’s ever played.
“We’ve faced him a few times and and we know obviously his qualities. But also at the same time, they’ve got other players that are good, too. So there has to be a focus on him and also the these teammates around him.”
Messi and Inter Miami have the perfect play-off opponents in Atlanta
Inter Miami have an easier route to MLS Cup than most, with the Supporters’ Shield triumph ensuring that the Herons have home advantage more other sides who made it to the off-season.
And Atlanta could prove to be the perfect opponent for Inter Miami in the first round of the play-offs, with the Five Stripes giving the Florida franchise a good run for their money last month at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Indeed, Inter Miami know they will be targeted in the play-offs as MLS Cup favorites, and Atlanta will be good first opponents for Messi and company in their quest to win a second piece of silverware this year.