A rare image of Messi having a long private conversation with coach Tata Martino right before Inter Miami’s ‘final’ match against Atlanta United at 8 am on November 10, competing for a ticket to the semi-finals of the MLS Cup play-off round.

Inter Miami missed the chance to get an early ticket to the next round, when they lost to Atlanta United with a score of 1-2 in the second match of the “3 matches” in the first round of the MLS Cup play-off (American professional soccer tournament) on November 3, after winning the same score in the first match on October 26. Messi and his teammates now have to play the third match and must win to continue.

“If they fail, the 2024 season will officially end early for them. Although they won the MLS Supporters’ Shield with a record number of points, not being able to win the MLS Cup will also be an unsuccessful season for Messi and Inter Miami”, according to the Miami Herald (USA).

In the upcoming “final” match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United at Chase Stadium, if the two teams are tied after 90 minutes of regular play, a penalty shootout will be held to determine the winner, without playing 2 extra periods.

Extra periods are only applied in knockout matches from the semi-finals, regional finals, and the MLS Cup final (between the 2 champions of the Eastern and Western regions). After that, a penalty shootout will be held if the 2 extra periods are still tied.

Given the crucial nature of the match, Messi had a long private conversation with coach Tata Martino right on the training ground. This is something that rarely happens, as the 37-year-old player rarely talks with his coach right before a decisive match for his club or national team.

However, Messi’s concern for Inter Miami’s situation right before the rematch with Atlanta United is understandable, as key midfielder Busquets may be absent again (he has flu and injury and has not yet recovered to return to training). In addition, other midfielders Yannick Bright, Diego Gomez, and defender David Martinez are also unable to return.

Inter Miami’s current squad is still too dependent on the remaining 3 famous players including Messi, Suarez, and Jordi Alba. In addition, midfielder Federico Redondo will be the biggest hope to replace the role left by Busquets.

According to the Miami Herald: “MLS, Apple TV, Adidas and all of Inter Miami and Messi’s other sponsors are certainly counting on David Beckham’s team to advance to the knockout stages and compete for its first MLS Cup. However, Atlanta United has shown its mettle. This team could completely stop and shatter all dreams of Messi and Inter Miami for the rest of the 2024 season.”

If Inter Miami still does not have Busquets back, Messi is the one most expected to shine in time to help the home team continue. Chase Stadium will be full for the upcoming match as 21,550 tickets for the match have been sold out, the Miami Herald said.