Lionel Messi backed Inter Miami for MLS Cup success, with their first round clash with Atlanta United set for Friday night
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Lionel Messi claimed Miami are among the favoritesSet to face Atlanta United in best of three first round seriesMessi scored 20, assisted 16 for this yearGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?
Lionel Messi has revealed he believes Inter Miami are among the top contenders for MLS Cup – and have a good chance of securing a first championship in club history. The Argentine led the Herons to a Supporter's Shield win this campaign on the back of a 20 goal, 16 assist season that has him a serious candidate for his first MVP award stateside. Miami won the Eastern Conference and fought off a late charge from Columbus Crew to end the campaign with the most points in league history.
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In an excerpt from an interview, Messi outlined Miami's playoff hopes: "Well, I think we are one of the favorites. I think we are a team that has grown and learned to compete and that will compete with anyone. But I think there are also tough teams who will be very difficult rivals and who will not make it easy. But I think the other teams respect us like we respect them."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Miami will face a tricky path to MLS Cup. They struggled to a chaotic 2-2 draw against first round opponents Atlanta United last month, and if results go as expected with face the Crew in the Eastern Conference finals – a matchup between the two sides widely considered the best in the league.
This will be Messi's first taste of MLS playoffs. The Herons didn't qualify for last year's postseason following a poor start to the season. They did, however, clinch the Leagues Cup in the Argentine's first campaign.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND INTER MIAMI?
start their MLS Cup hopes Friday night with a first round matchup against Atlanta at home. They then travel to Georgia next weekend for game two. A game three, if needed, will be on Nov. 9 in Miami.
