In the match against New York City FC, Inter Miami’s coaching staff provided Lionel Messi with specific instructions aimed at maximizing his impact on the game. Recognizing the tactical strengths and weaknesses of NYCFC, the team sought to leverage Messi’s exceptional playmaking abilities and vision.
One primary instruction was to exploit the spaces between NYCFC’s defensive lines. Inter Miami aimed to create overloads in midfield, allowing Messi to operate in pockets of space where he could receive the ball unmarked. This would enable him to dictate the tempo of the game and set up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Additionally, Inter Miami emphasized the importance of quick transitions. Whenever possession was regained, the team instructed Messi to immediately push forward, looking for fast breaks. This approach aimed to catch NYCFC off guard, utilizing Messi’s pace and dribbling skills to advance the ball rapidly into attacking positions. His ability to draw defenders toward him would also create space for other players, such as Josef Martínez, to exploit.
Defensively, the team wanted Messi to press selectively. While he is not typically known for aggressive defending, Inter Miami asked him to engage when the opportunity arose, particularly to disrupt NYCFC’s build-up play. By applying pressure at critical moments, Messi could help his team regain possession higher up the pitch.
Moreover, the coaching staff stressed the importance of communication with his teammates. They encouraged Messi to take on a leadership role, guiding younger players on positioning and movement. His experience would be crucial in organizing the attack and ensuring that everyone was on the same page, especially during set pieces and dead-ball situations.
Finally, they highlighted the need for Messi to be decisive in the final third. With a focus on shooting when in good positions, the team wanted him to take advantage of his goal-scoring ability, especially given NYCFC’s sometimes vulnerable defense. By balancing his playmaking role with a willingness to take shots, Messi could significantly increase Inter Miami’s chances of scoring.
Overall, Inter Miami’s game plan against NYCFC revolved around utilizing Messi’s unique skill set to create opportunities, both for himself and his teammates, while maintaining a cohesive and disciplined team structure.