“We have worked very hard” - Tata Martino explains how Lionel Messi’s arrival has ‘raised expectations’ at Inter Miami

Inter Miami manager Tata Martino explained how Argentine superstar Lionel Messi's arrival has 'raised expectations' for his side. The 61-year-old claimed that his squad have 'worked very hard' since the 37-year-old's arrival, leading to a change in their fortunes.

The Herons had constantly been sub-par in Major League Soccer (MLS) since their inception. Since their first season in 2020, they had finished 10th, 11th, 6th and 14th place in the league phase until Messi's arrival in 2023.

In the Argentine's first full season at the club, Miami currently sits atop the Eastern Conference, with 19 wins in 31 games. They have already qualified for the playoffs and are within touching distance of securing the top seed and home-field advantage.

While Messi has been a key contributor to their success, with 15 goals and 15 assists in 16 games, Miami have been a solid team overall throughout the 2024 season. Speaking to reporters about the side's overall improvement, Martino said (via GOAL):

"We were a team that habitually lost for years, and now, we are a team that habitually wins, and that raises expectations. It should be noted that we have worked very hard to change the perception of this team and we've done it having to use many different line-ups due to injuries and national team duty."

Messi scored a stunning goal against Charlotte but Inter Miami eked out a 1-1 draw (September 28), their third successive stalemate in a row. Up next, they take on second-placed Eastern Conference side Columbus Crew, with a win enough to secure the top seed and the Supporters Shield title.

"Hopefully, we can win and seal the title" - Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammate makes claim about clash vs Columbus Crew

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba expressed hope for his side to overcome the challenge posed by Columbus Crew in their upcoming MLS fixture (October 2).

Alba joined the club alongside his former Barcelona teammates Messi and Sergio Busquets in 2023, with Luis Suarez joining six months later. The Herons also signed other talented players like Julian Gressel, Federico Redondo and Diego Gomez to form a solid squad around their star players.

Alba has played the fifth-most games of any player alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. The pair have shared the pitch on 370 occasions for Inter Miami and Barcelona, assisting him 28 times and scoring off his passes 11 times.

Speaking to reporters after Inter Miami's 1-1 draw against Charlotte, the Spaniard said (via Inter Miami News):

"We're still at the top, still leading, in first place and that's what's important. It's true that we've had opportunities to already clinch the league. Hopefully, on Wednesday against Columbus, we can win and seal the league title."

A win against Columbus would be enough to secure the title for Miami, marking an incredible turnaround from their 14th-placed finish last season.