Inter Miami are one win away from progressing to the next round of the MLS play-offs after beating Atlanta United in Florida.
Jordi Alba’s heroics secured a 2-1 win for Inter Miami with the Herons now just one result at Mercedes-Benz Stadium away from booking their spot in the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference play-offs, with Lionel Messi and company in good form.
With Luis Suarez lauding Alba as the best left-back in the world, Inter Miami are rightfully considered the favorites to go all the way in the play-offs, with MLS Cup a real possibility for the Chase Stadium side this off-season.
And Atlanta midfielder Bartosz Slisz has now shared how he feels taking on Inter Miami once again in Georgia.
Atlanta’s Slisz admits facing Messi and Inter Miami won’t be ‘easy’
Speaking to the Athletic, the Polish midfielder admitted that taking on Messi and Inter Miami won’t be a walk in the park, even with Atlanta having home advantage in what could be a record attendance for the Five Stripes.
Indeed, Inter Miami need just a win to book their place in the next round of the MLS play-offs, and Atlanta will seemingly do all they can to ensure that they take the Herons to a third and deciding game in this round.
Slisz said when asked how he feels facing Inter Miami in the second play-off tie with Messi completely fit: “It’s not easy to play against Miami because everyone wants to play to Messi. He’s very good on the ball, maybe the best in the world.
“And it’s really hard to avoid his ball behind our [back] line. We have to focus on the runners. We had video analysis today and we know what we have to do better. But like I said, it’s not easy.”
Inter Miami need to show why they’re MLS Cup favorites
Inter Miami head into the post-season as Supporters’ Shield winners and the new regular-season record points holders, with the Herons looking excellent heading into the MLS play-offs.
And in this away tie against Atlanta, Inter Miami need to show why they’re favorites for MLS Cup, with the Florida franchise one win away from the next round in what will be a huge step in the right direction for the Herons.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is no easy trip for Inter Miami, and they will need to be at their best if they’re to get through this round of the play-offs against an inspired Atlanta side.