Can Messi, Martino make Inter Miami playoff-ready?

And whereas the Argentinian star was all smiles upon his introduction, he and coach Tata Martino have rather a lot to do in the event that they intend to get Miami again into MLS’s playoff dialog.

The workforce is final in MLS East and languishing by means of an 11-game winless streak. It’s picked up simply 18 factors from its opening 22 video games.

Here’s what wants to vary — shortly — for Miami and Messi to have a shot on the MLS playoffs.

Rebuild the midfield

Much has already been written about Messi’s transfer to Miami, but it surely’s Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets who might have the larger impression on Miami’s short-term fortunes. The workforce has struggled mightily in protection this season after shedding its two Brazilian defensive midfielders, Gregore and Jean Mota, to harm within the spring. Their absence has unsettled Miami’s protection and contributed to its woeful purpose concession fee. 

Busquets could also be 35, however he is a transparent improve on Miami’s backup defenders … and when performed successfully, he is usually a literal game-changer. Just ask his Spain coach Luis Enrique. “People have been trying to retire Busquets for years,” he mentioned after the 2022 World Cup, “but I want to convince him to play another World Cup!”

Speed issues up

Miami has struggled in assault this season, and it isn’t as a result of it lacks goalscorers: it is as a result of these goalscorers obtain plodding, ineffective service. Miami are sluggish in transition, typically giving opposing groups full minutes of time to return to their defensive and offensive shapes. And that is an issue in wild, bodily MLS, the place pace, intention and excessive presses are inclined to dominate. St. Louis City SC and the Columbus Crew have made enormous waves within the league this yr because of their fast transitions; Miami should goal one thing comparable in the event that they hope to successfully service Messi and his hanging companions.

Hope for a miracle

With simply 12 video games left to play within the common season, making the playoffs is not solely in Miami’s palms. The workforce must hope that fellow MLS East backside feeders Toronto, NYCFC and Charlotte proceed to wrestle — and that groups on the bubble, just like the Chicago Fire and DC United, lose steam because the season ends.

Miami does have one benefit that might assist them right here: it is scheduled to face lots of these groups straight within the fall. If Miami can snatch wins over them, these three factors would really feel like six.