Tata Martino believes Inter Miami and Argentina are now getting the best of Lionel Messi having shown patience when he was injured.
Messi sustained an ankle ligament injury during the Copa America final win over Colombia on July 14 and only returned to action last month.
It took him a little while to shake off the rust but he has been at his sparkling best over the past week, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia on Tuesday before netting another treble after coming off the bench in Miami’s 6-2 defeat of the New England Revolution last night.
🗣️CAMPEONES, CAMPEONES 🛡️💗🖤 ✨ pic.twitter.com/HdsIA5fEWk
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 20, 2024
Miami were handed the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the team with the best regular-season record after the game before finding out, via FIFA president Gianni Infantino, that they had also been handed a place in next summer’s Club World Cup as a result.
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Patience rewarded
It caps a fine season for Martino’s men and he was quick to pay tribute to 37-year-old Messi for his part.
He said: “After the major injury he had in the Copa América, we had to be very careful in his recovery and in his insertion into the team.
“And it seems to me that both the Argentine team and us here were very careful with that issue and we ended up nourishing each other.
“I think the game with Columbus [on October 3] was very important, especially the second half, with Leo being very involved in what happened in that game. And obviously we also drew nourishment from this last match with Bolivia where he already seemed much looser, much more in rhythm.
“And obviously today, well, I think the first ball he touches is the pass to Jordi Alba [for Miami’s third goal], so today the feeling that we have is it is an ideal situation.”
Beckham also salutes Messi
Messi has a total of 36 goal contributions in just 19 games (20 goals and 16 assists) in MLS this season and Miami co-owner David Beckham recognised his contribution.
The former England captain said: “Our captain has led us, the players have led us in times where it was difficult.
“But now, tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we prepare for Friday and the playoffs.
“As my partner and friend Jorge Mas said, this was always about creating history for Miami. This was always about family, la familia, our people in this stadium. Tonight, it’s about you guys because you supported us through the tough times and you’re supporting us through the good times.”
Miami now have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They face the winner of Montreal’s clash with Atlanta United on Friday.
