Messi says Inter Miami are “prepared to fight for the league” after Orlando City win

Lionel Messi’s qualities to inspire and lead inside the walls of Inter Miami are more than evident, but when he speaks to the public, people listen. This Saturday, after the Herons’ spectacular win over Orlando City, the Argentine star spoke with Diego Valeri for Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.

The captain of the Chase Stadium side was very clear on the importance of this ‘Clásico del Sol’ for each and every one of the players in the squad: “It was a complete Game because we were able to play well [sic]. We knew that today we had to go out with intensity, because Orlando give you that, a lot of battles, a lot of physicality”.

Messi on Suárez ‘solving games’

“We were lucky to find the first goal quickly and that changes the whole match. That’s when we started to find the spaces and it was a different match to the one we initially expected [...] We’re doing well, we’re enjoying ourselves and we’re growing. Today was an important match to continue on that path of growth,” Messi added.

Regarding Luis Suárez, Messi also highlighted that he was “very happy” for him. “We were calm because we know who Luis is, what he is capable of doing and I think everyone knows that. When you least expect it, he solves a Game like he did today, with goals and assists.” On this day, the Uruguayan striker was the key player with his first goals as well as assists for his teaMMAtes.

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Finally, the Inter Miami ‘10′ was serious when asked what is to come: “Without putting weights on our shoulders, we are aware of the team that we put together and we are preparing to try to fight for the MLS. We know it’s a long road, that this is just beginning, but the reality is that we are aware that we have a group to fight and we are going to try.”

“It’s important to start well, especially in the first Games because then the league stops and another championship begins, so it’s good to get a breather at that point. That’s what we set out to do, to start in this way and get as many points as possible, because afterwards (there’s) the Copa América, Leagues Cup and everything else that’s coming up,” concluded the legendary Argentine Footballer. For now, however, they can concentrate on their next Game, which is against Nashville SC in CONCACAF Champions Cup up Friday March 8.