Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi delivered a powerful message to the rest of the MLS teams following his side’s commanding 5-0 victory against Orlando City on Saturday, March 2.
Luis Suarez netted two early goals (4′ and 11′), which were complemented by Robert Taylor’s strike in the 29th minute. Messi himself added two more goals in the second half (57′ and 62′) to complete the scoring.
Discussing Inter Miami’s aspirations for the season after the game, Messi expressed to Apple TV (via Goal):
“I think that with the pressure on us, we’re conscious of the team, and what we’ve built and we are going to prepare ourselves to fight for the MLS title.”
Currently leading the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami is the sole team to have played three matches thus far. Despite this, Messi remains optimistic about his team’s progress.
“We know that is a long road and it’s just getting started, but the reality is that all of us are aware that we have a group ready to compete and we are going to go for it,” he continued. “It is also important that we start the season off well, especially in the first few games because then the league will pause, and other tournaments will begin.
“It’s really good to arrive with a little breathing room at this checkpoint that we set on ourselves.”
Next on the agenda for the Herons is the CONCACAF Champions Cup first leg round-of-16 encounter against Nashville on Thursday, March 7.
