Inter Miami, fresh off re-signing Lionel Messi to a new deal through 2028 hosted Nashville SC last week and secured a crucial victory on their way to winning the MLS Cup. Last season, Messi’s side has defensive defects that proved costly in their 2024 MLS first-round playoff loss to Atlanta United, and now the Argentine wants to write those wrongs.
"There were moments where the team competed at a very high level, but it's also true that we were irregular, defensively, where we conceded a lot of goals, and that's something we still are lacking," he told Apple TV on Wednesday. "We must be better in that area if we really want to win the MLS Cup.
"I think this season, like last year, we've grown a lot.
"I think the playoffs are a completely different competition, where the games are different," he said. "The teams are much more careful and attentive to every detail as with any given situation you can be knocked out. But obviously we're prepared to fight and try to win it, what we all want."
Messi has has an incredible season, winning the Golden Boot and tied for most assists despite missing a quarter of the season, setting new records for non-penalty goals and goal contributions. He will be aiming to lead his side to glory once again in what should be a tough test for his side who he thinks have what it takes.
"Yes, obviously yes, we can. It's not going to be easy," he said. "We have the experience from last year when we finished first in the regular season and then got knocked out in the first round."