Inter Miami manager Tata Martino has noted what impressed him most about Lionel Messi’s performance last night against St. Louis City SC.
The Florida franchise were unable to return to winning ways after Wednesday’s 3-1 loss against Atlanta United as Inter Miami had to equalize three times at Chase Stadium against a dangerous St. Louis City side.
A thrilling 3-3 draw was highlighted by an electric performance from Jordi Alba with Messi finding his way onto the scoresheet in the first-half, with Luis Suarez also scoring a crucial goal for Inter Miami in the fixture.
And Martino has now highlighted what he liked most from Messi’s display last night.
Messi praised for giving Inter Miami his all vs St. Louis City
Speaking to the press after the 3-3 draw, Martino noted that he was impressed by Messi’s determination for Inter Miami, with the Argentine looking sharp ahead of this month’s Copa America with Argentina.
Whilst the result was not want Inter Miami were looking for with Messi set to miss as many as six games for the Herons this summer, the forward’s performance was an impressive one heading into what could be his final international tournament.
And for Martino, the Inter Miami boss was pleased with what he saw from Messi against St. Louis City, with the Florida franchise still sitting top of the Supporters’ Shield standings despite last night’s draw.
Martino said: “He along with Jordi were practicably responsible for participating in all of our attacks in today’s game. He was involved in our finishing, he was involved in our chance creation, and he insisted during the entire 90 minutes, even in the final moments.”
Inter Miami could regret not winning their last two games
With Messi now set to leave Inter Miami for over a month, the Herons will be pushed to their limit with their star player now unavailable for selection, with Suarez also likely to be at the Copa America as well.
And whilst Martino’s side still sit top of the overall MLS standings, there could be regret over not winning the last two games if Inter Miami’s form continues to head in a downward spiral.
Indeed, Messi has been influential for Inter Miami in their push for the Supporters’ Shield, and the Argentine’s absence could see the Florida franchise endure a winless streak that could derail all of the good work made so far this season.