'Frustrated': Inter Miami manager sends message to Lionel Messi and stars after Atlanta United play-off loss

Inter Miami suffered a shock loss in the MLS play-offs after Atlanta United came from behind to beat the Herons 2-1.

David Martinez’s first-half opener was quickly canceled out by the Five Stripes’ Derrick Williams as Xande Silva scored a last-minute winner to ensure Inter Miami’s play-off series with Atlanta went to a third game.

With Sergio Busquets set to be back for Inter Miami for next weekend’s huge clash at Chase Stadium, the Herons have plenty going on in their favor, with Lionel Messi and the usual star players all fully fit.

And manager Tata Martino has now issued a message to Inter Miami’s key players ahead of next week’s game.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Martino backing Inter Miami’s star players to pull them through vs Atlanta

Speaking to the press after last night’s loss at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Martino noted how he’s banking on the experience of Messi and company in difficult situations in big games to inspire Inter Miami to progress against Atlanta.

The Five Stripes have already beaten Inter Miami in Florida this season, with Atlanta showing last night that they have the quality to not only go head-to-head with the Herons, but also beat Martino’s side on their own turf.

And for Inter Miami’s manager, the likes of Messi will need to step up if they’re to progress to the next round of the play-offs, with the Supporters’ Shield holders now facing an unlikely early elimination.

Martino said: “We have the advantage of many high caliber players who have been through more difficult situations than this. We also have a way of playing that has never changed. We wanted everything to finish [Saturday], but I am satisfied with how they played, but frustrated with the result.”

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Inter Miami know their project is dead if they lose next weekend

Inter Miami came into the play-offs as Supporters’ Shield champions with a MLS regular-season points record under their belt, with Messi fully fit and the entire squad looking ready to take on the post-season like MLS Cup champions.

Yet as per Inter Miami’s recent results against Atlanta, there’s a real chance that the Florida franchise could lose and be eliminated from the MLS play-offs in the first round, an event that would be a disaster for the Herons.

After everything the front office have done in constructing this team, Inter Miami crashing out on Saturday would be a modern American tragedy, and the Florida franchise will want to show they can earn a huge win at Chase Stadium.