Messi Warns Teammates: No More Stupid Mistakes if We Want to Win the Season!

Before the second game of the first round of the MLS playoffs, Argentine star Lionel Messi cautioned his Miami International teammates to stay alert and focused, avoiding the mistakes that plagued the team at the beginning of the season. He stated that if the team wants to lift the championship trophy in 2024, they cannot afford to make the same errors again.

Ahead of the crucial match against Atlanta United, Messi said, “Throughout the season, we have made many mistakes, many of which were avoidable. A lot of these mistakes were really stupid, and we paid a heavy price for them. In the playoffs, such mistakes absolutely cannot happen, because even a small error can lead to our elimination. We need to be stronger than ever and make the most of our advantages.”

Messi was impressed by the atmosphere in the Major League Soccer (MLS). He said, “I am surprised by the love for football here. I always thought Americans were only interested in basketball, baseball, and football. In fact, the football culture here is very strong.”

So far, Messi has scored 33 goals in 37 appearances for the team, helping Miami International win their first-ever title—the League Cup—in 2023. Now, his goal is to lead the team to the championship this season.

However, to achieve this goal, Miami International must first defeat Atlanta United. In the first game, they won 2-1, and Messi hopes to continue leading the team to victory in the second game. If they win, they will advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, where they will face either Orlando City or Charlotte FC. If they lose, they will play a decisive match against Atlanta on November 10.

Talking about how to establish Miami International as a dominant force in the MLS, Messi said, “To build a strong team, we must win championships. This is undeniable.” He also mentioned, “Since I joined, Miami International has won the League Cup, the team’s first honor. Now, we are considered favorites for the MLS Cup, but we still respect every opponent.”