JAKARTA - Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi said his team must step up the defense to be considered a competitor to win the 2025 MLS Cup (MLS Cup 2025).
He added that every player in the team was ready to fight for the trophy.
"I think this season, like last year, we have grown rapidly. It's true that some new players came in and others left."
"There are moments where the team competes at a very high level, but it is also true that we are less consistent in defending, where we conceded a lot of goals."
"It is something that is still less than us. We have to be better in that area if we really want to win the MLS Cup," Messi said in an interview broadcast on Apple TV.
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Inter Miami won the first round of the playoffs against Nashville SC with a score of 3-1 on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Last year, Inter Miami lost in the best-of-tree series against Atlanta United FC and was knocked out in the first round of playoffs.
"Yes, of course yes, we can (win the MLS Cup). It won't be easy. We had experience from last year when we finished first in the regular season, then eliminated in the first round."
"I think the playoffs are completely different competitions, with different matches too."
"Tims are much more careful and pay attention to every detail because in any situation, you can be eliminated."
"However, it is clear we are ready to fight and try to win it, the thing we all want," said Messi.
During Messi's time at Inter Miami, the club won its first League Cup (Leagues Cup) trophy in 2023, Supporters' Shield 2024, and set the record for most points in a season, but has not raised the MLS Cup since the Argentine star joined in 2023.
The Herons also competed in the Concacaf Champions Cup, League Cup, and Club World Cup during the 2025 season, but failed to win a single trophy in the tournament.
"While we didn't win any tournaments, it was a positive year. We still had the opportunity to do our best by winning the MLS," said Messi.
Inter Miami will play their second match at Nashville headquarters on Sunday, November 2, 2025 WIB, at Geodis Park, where The Herons can secure a place in the semifinals of the Eastern Region with a win.
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