Inter Miami may not have ended their season in ideal circumstances after a shock playoff defeat to Atlanta United, Aleksei Miranchuk will never forget it.
The defeat is now being dubbed as one of the ‘biggest failures in North American sports history‘, and new manager Javier Mascherano will be looking to avoid a repeat this season.
The game was certainly feisty and saw Brad Guzan and Luis Suarez come to blows in what ultimately would end in a 3-2 loss.
Something that would send Inter Miami crashing out of the playoffs, a huge shock considering the Herons finish 34 points above their opponents. Atlanta United instantly took a shot after the game and Miranchuk, who assisted on the night, is now reliving the moment.
Mirankchuk will always remember Messi encounter
The star power that Inter Miami possess will always give them a target on their backs.
Very few teams in the MLS can boast the quality of Lionel Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
One of Inter Miami’s pre-season opponents Hugo Ancajima of Universitario explained that it was a ‘dream’ to share the field with Lionel Messi.
Despite Mirankchuk’s painful reminder of a time that would rather be forgotten for the Herons he did highlight the joys of playing against Messi and co.
He told GOAL: “It meant a lot. We did a great thing, we beat the team with the star player. So it was a big thing. No one, I think expected that from us at the time. But that’s why we love football or soccer because no one knows how a game will finish. So that’s the beauty of the sport.
“Those experiences against these types of players across three games will always be in my heart. I will always remember them.”
Alba received much criticism after the game for questioning the playoff format, Messi however was short of excuses and urged the team to do more for the upcoming season.
Inter Miami looking for revenge
With the new MLS season just weeks away all eyes will be on the opening game of the season which pits Inter Miami against New York City FC.
The New York side has proved a tricky opponent but Mascherano will be looking to get off to a fast start.
Inter Miami have a very different-looking squad from last season and the additions of Tadeo Allende, who recently scored his first goal for the club, Telasco Segovia and Fafa Picault to name a few will be looking to make a difference.
Messi and co will certainly have all eyes set on March 16 when they are set to face last season’s rivals in Atlanta United.
To add insult to injury Atlanta recently obtained Chris Henderson from Inter Miami to take over as sporting director, even more reason for the Herons players to be fired up.