Lionel Messi has aided in the ‘lethal’ transformation of Inter Miami, according to manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
In Miami’s Leagues Cup victory over FC Dallas, Messi once again stole the show. He scored two goals and aided an own goal to drag his team to a draw during regulation time, and Martino’s club went on to win 5-3 on penalties.
Martino is aware of Miami’s recent shift in fortunes and acknowledged that having the greatest player in history among his players has benefits.
“We have the best player in the world. That can’t be ignored. When we have our moments, the team is lethal,” Martino acknowledged.
Asked where Miami would be without Messi, Martino insisted such questions are largely a waste of time.
Man-of-the-Match awards come standard for Leo Messi.
Rewind on another brilliant display. ⏪#InterMiamiCF // #LeaguesCup2023 pic.twitter.com/1JfYr1a9Te
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023
Trending Stories: Napoli Ponder Move For 28-Year-Old Barcelona Player
“This question always gets asked in the places where he is,” Martino continued. “Someone can bet on what Barcelona would’ve looked like without Messi. What the Argentina national team would look like without Messi or anywhere he’s been.
“Fortunately, we have him, and today he once again showed he’s a tremendously important player.
“The majority of times there’s a free kick in this area, and I think only with him do you get the feeling that it’s going to be a goal. A free kick usually is something where you think it won’t be a goal 90% of the time, but when he has it, it’s the opposite.
“You think it won’t be a goal 10% of the time, but the rest it will be.”
