Inter Miami’s Transformation Shocks Nashville SC Coach
Inter Miami’s recent transformation under the leadership of Lionel Messi has left Nashville SC Coach Gary Smith astonished. He finds it hard to put into words how much the team has changed since Messi joined last month. Smith believes that the squad they will face in the Leagues Cup final is unrecognizable compared to the Miami teams they have played against in the past.
Smith had the opportunity to watch Inter Miami’s game against Philadelphia Union in the semifinals before his team’s match against Monterrey began. He was amazed by the team’s performance and the brand of football they displayed. Smith admits that he has never seen such a dramatic transformation in all his years in football. While Messi has had a significant impact, Smith also acknowledges the contribution of other players who have elevated their game alongside the Argentine star.
Prior to Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami had struggled, with just five wins and 22 goals in 22 games. However, since Messi joined, the team has achieved six wins and scored 21 goals in just six games. Messi himself has already scored nine goals and is leading the race for the Golden Boot award in the tournament.
The presence of Messi, as well as his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, has had a profound impact on the entire Inter Miami roster. These players attract attention from opponents, creating space for their teammates to exploit. Winger Robert Taylor, who has shone since joining forces with Messi, acknowledges how much easier the game has become with the star-studded lineup. Taylor lauds Messi for his ability to bring out the best in others, and also praises Busquets and Alba for their decision-making and valuable contributions.
Former Inter Miami coach Phil Neville, who was replaced by Tata Martino in the summer, expresses his delight at seeing Taylor’s growth alongside his new teammates. Taylor has transformed into a superstar himself, gaining recognition for his passing, runs, delivery, and technical ability.
Looking ahead to the Leagues Cup final, both Nashville SC and Inter Miami are aware of the challenges they will face. Nashville is known for its dangerous counterattacks and has defeated Mexican teams Club America and Monterrey to reach the final. Inter Miami must find a way to contain Hany Mukhtar, the reigning MLS MVP and the leading scorer in the 2023 MLS season so far.
Mukhtar, often referred to as the MLS Messi, is confident that his team will not be intimidated by Inter Miami. He stresses the importance of trusting in their abilities and fighting without any regrets. Mukhtar considers winning a trophy a challenge that requires overcoming obstacles, even when facing the best player in the world.
Despite being considered the favorites, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino and defender DeAndre Yedlin emphasize that their team is not invincible. They acknowledge the improvements they have made in a short time but remain aware of the mistakes they need to address. Martino expresses that in soccer, there is no such thing as invincibility, and the final against Nashville will be a tough and challenging game.
Nashville SC Coach Gary Smith understands the hype around Inter Miami and Lionel Messi but affirms that his team will be prepared for the Cup final. Smith sees this as an opportunity to prove people wrong and achieve what nobody else has done so far – defeat Inter Miami.
The stage is set for an exciting and highly anticipated Leagues Cup final, where both teams will give their all to lift the trophy.
