Tata Martino talks Messi, Inter Miami, international break and more…

Tata Martino appeared before the press after Inter Miami’s victory at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

Eduardo Burgos Rodríguez

Eduardo Burgos Rodríguezedu17burgosUpdate: Sep 4th, 2023 09:28 EDT

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Gerardo Martino of Inter Miami CF speaks to the media after a training session at Florida Blue Training Center on August 10, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.   Megan Briggs/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Megan Briggs / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

MEGAN BRIGGSAFP

Tata Martino spoke to the media at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles to discuss Inter Miami’s victory over LAFC, reigning MLS champions. The Argentine coach was satisfied after his team’s win against one of the league’s toughest rivals. Now, and with an international break in between, Inter Miami will have to prepare to continue their steady march towards the playoffs.

Messi changes MLS

“The atmosphere in New York and the two days we’ve been in Los Angeles, are the most I’ve been able to see,” said Martino. “In other cities like Cincinnati or Nashville, I didn’t go out so much and I couldn’t observe it. But in these two cities, the truth is that what Leo Messi’s arrival in MLS has caused is something that is very difficult to describe in words. Messi has changed MLS. You have to come and believe it.”

Inter Miami vs Toronto FC: Horario, TV; cómo y dónde ver a Messi en MLS 2023Full screen

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi against Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium. Gary A. VasquezUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Best Inter Miami game since his arrival

“We have had many tough games. I think that because of the level of the opponent, tonight’s game was the most complex and the one in which we competed the best. In other matches, we have even been outplayed at times. In today’s match, we competed well. I value it all the more because LAFC is a very good team.”

Facundo Farias’ performance

“Facu is able to complement both Josef (Martínez) and Campana. It happens that in today’s match, we understood that it was better to play with Messi and Facu to see if we could create superiority with their backline in midfield. With the arrival of the players we have had, the squad is much more complete. We have more options to choose from, and we can prepare for matches much better.”

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Playoff possibilities for Inter Miami