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Messi has transformed Inter Miami – Nashville boss admits
Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami was undeniable, leading to their League Cup victory, according to Nashville manager Gary Smith, who acknowledged the transformation brought about by Messi’s presence.
Throughout the tournament, the 36-year-old Argentine had showcased his exceptional skills and influence on Inter Miami’s performance. In the final match, Messi’s brilliance was on full display as he not only opened the scoring with a magnificent curling shot but also contributed to his team’s overall gameplay. This goal marked his 10th goal in just seven games.
Despite Messi’s efforts, the match didn’t end in regulation time, and the final outcome was determined through a dramatic penalty shootout, with Inter Miami ultimately prevailing 10-9.
Nashville manager Gary Smith recognized the immense challenge posed by facing Messi and Inter Miami. He admitted that his team struggled to contain Messi’s influence on the game and acknowledged the transformation Messi had brought to Inter Miami since joining the team in Florida the previous month.
“It was going to be a difficult one going into the game,” the Nashville manager told talkSPORT.
“Amazingly, Miami have been transformed in this last month, five weeks, the addition of Messi as you know and [Sergio] Busquets and [Jordi] Alba have made such a difference to that team.
“So we knew it was going to be a tough one but the guys put in a wonderful performance and I think when you go to penalties and the goalkeepers are going to be the difference, you know that it’s the finest of margins.”
Despite having a strategy in place to limit Messi’s involvement, Nashville manager Gary Smith acknowledged that Messi was still incredibly effective and difficult to contain during the match. Smith’s plan aimed to restrict Messi’s access to the ball, but the World Cup winner’s skill and impact were evident in the few crucial moments he had on the field.
“He literally had two efforts at goal in the game, I want to say he probably didn’t touch the ball more than eight or ten times. But the unfortunate thing is, he is just unplayable in those moments,” he said.
“Part of the process was to obviously try and limit that, crazily he ended up on the ball through strange circumstances, bit of a ricochet and the rest of it you’re fully aware of. He’s absolutely clinical and the finish is magnificent.
“The games that we watched leading into our match-up, some of the teams over here had probably just given him a little bit too much respect.”