The Argentine coach reminisced about his history with the number 10 and reflected on what they could not achieve together in the past.
Gerardo Martino, head coach of Inter Miami, emphasized on Wednesday that winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield could serve to “justify” why Lionel Messi’s team might secure the last spot for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
“Today’s topic is not minor as we begin to justify why Inter Miami could participate in the Club World Cup. That gives me peace of mind,” he stated during a press conference.
“Given the names we have, Inter Miami could start to be seen as a viable team for selection. However, I believe it is much fairer to achieve that through sporting merits, and today we have achieved that: we have the sporting merit,” he added.
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup, set to debut in the summer of 2025, has a spot that remains unfilled, which is to be granted by invitation to the host country, in this case, the USA. FIFA is responsible for deciding whom the spot will go to and has yet to announce the criteria.
Martino has not concealed from the media in the past that participating in this new tournament is one of the club’s objectives.
With only two matches left in the regular season, Inter Miami was crowned champions of the MLS Supporters’ Shield after defeating Columbus Crew 2-3, with two fantastic goals from Messi and one from Luis Suárez.
This marks the second trophy for Inter Miami in its brief history, following the Leagues Cup triumph in 2023. Additionally, it is Messi’s 46th title, further solidifying his status as the most decorated player in history (Dani Alves follows with 44).
“Messi was decisive, yes,” Martino underscored. “It is also a bit what happens when the team has that profile. We generally end up relying heavily on Leo and Luis in our offensive play,” he added.
However, for the Argentine coach, there is another element that makes the titles he has been achieving special, related to his past with Messi, both in the national team and at Barcelona.
“While the importance of the titles isn’t the same, it’s about beginning to reconcile the history that connects me to him at different moments. In just one year, we’ve had the chance to win the Leagues Cup and now the Supporters’ Shield. Looking back to our time at Barcelona and with the Argentine national team, he had no outstanding matters, while I have many pending accounts,” Martino confessed.
“There’s no way to return to those moments. It gives me profound satisfaction here, in one year at Inter Miami, to achieve two titles while having the chance to be his coach,” he added.
The MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the best team in the regular season, should not be confused with the MLS Cup, which is the most prestigious trophy in the United States and Canada, awarded to the playoff winner.
“The reality is that we have our sights set on reaching December 7, which is what we want,” said Martino, referring to this year’s MLS Cup final.
