Inter Miami – with Lionel Messi at their disposal – believe they can make the MLS play-offs, with coach Tata Martino saying “anything can happen”.
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Points dropped against NashvilleBusy September approachingPost-season spot can be securedWHAT HAPPENED?
The Florida-based outfit have climbed off the foot of the Eastern Conference, but dropped precious points in their latest outing when being held to a 0-0 draw by Nashville at DRV PNK Stadium. As a result, they remain 10 points adrift of securing tickets to the post-season.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT THEY SAID
Messi has, however, made a remarkable impact since moving to the United States – with 11 goals recorded through a run of nine wins and a draw – and Martino will not be throwing in the towel on a bid for MLS Cup glory. He said on the back of a stalemate with Nashville: “What we have to do is move on. Anything can happen.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Inter Miami have seven games to take in during a busy September – including a U.S. Open Cup final clash with the Houston Dynamo – and have 10 MLS fixtures in total left on their schedule. A play-off spot is still up for grabs, but Martino was left frustrated against Nashville. He added on posting a rare blank: “Nashville is a team that defends well, and today I think they were a little deeper than in the [Leagues Cup] final. [Our] team had more rhythm in the second half than in the first half; paradoxically the best situations were [Robert] Taylor's two chances in the first half. In the first half, the ball was moving too slowly; in the second I think we did a little better, but it was hard for us. These games usually happen, I understand everyone’s frustration. We too felt it was a good night to continue gaining ground.”
GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Inter Miami will sneak into the play-offs if they can secure a ninth-place finish or higher, with there still the potential for Messi to land three pieces of silverware in his debut campaign – with one already landed, taking him to 44 career trophies, and a final berth booked in another domestic competition.