Kristina Roberts
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest football players of all time, is going through a rough patch with his team, Inter Miami. On Sunday night, Inter Miami lost 3-0 to Orlando City in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match. The team has now managed only one win, five losses, and one draw in their last seven games across all competitions. Messi, who usually avoids giving interviews right after matches, opened up this time and spoke honestly about the team’s struggles.
Messi spoke to Apple TV in Spanish and shared how the team must stay strong together during these hard moments. He said, “It’s a difficult time, but we’re going to come through this. Now we’ll really see if we’re a team. These are difficult times. When everything is going well it’s very easy, but when difficult times come — like now — we have to be more united than ever, be a real team, and get through it.”
His words show just how much he cares about the team and its future. Even though Inter Miami had a great season last year — winning 22 matches, losing only four, and tying eight — this year has been a very different story. Last season, they had the best winning percentage in MLS history. They made fans happy and broke records. But this year, they haven’t been playing like the same team. After this latest loss, their current record stands at six wins, three losses, and four draws. They are now in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
Messi is not just worried about the present but is also thinking ahead. He said, “We’re coming off a period of bad results. But we have to keep working and think about what’s next. With three or four games left in May, we (have to) finish the best possible way to be able to face the Club World Cup.”
The Club World Cup is a big tournament, and it begins on June 14. That means Inter Miami doesn’t have much time to turn things around. The players need to focus, practice hard, and play as one strong team. Messi clearly knows this and is trying to motivate his teammates to stay together and fight through this tough phase.
In another interview before the match, Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, hinted at something that could excite fans. Mascherano suggested that Messi might stay with the team longer than expected. Messi originally joined Inter Miami on a 2-and-a-half-year deal, which ends this MLS season. But the club has made it very clear that they want him to stay at least until 2026. That’s the year Inter Miami plans to move into their new stadium near Miami International Airport — a big step for the club’s future.
To add to this hope, the team recently signed Jordi Alba, a close friend of Messi and a former teammate from Barcelona. Alba’s new contract lasts until 2027. Many fans believe this is a sign that Messi could also continue with the club. Mascherano said, “Hopefully in a few weeks we can have some news about Leo. I think it will be very, very important for the club, the fans, and for MLS.”
It’s clear that Messi’s presence means a lot — not just to Inter Miami but to the entire MLS. He brings not only talent but also leadership, experience, and the ability to inspire young players. When he speaks, people listen. His message after the Orlando match shows that he’s not ready to give up, and he doesn’t want his teammates to give up either.
Even though things are tough right now, Messi is choosing to stay positive. He understands that every team goes through ups and downs. What matters most is how the team handles the tough times. He believes that by staying united, Inter Miami can come out stronger on the other side.
This is also a moment where fans play an important role. Just like players need to support each other, fans need to support their team too. Cheering from the stands, believing in the players, and showing love during losses can give the team the push they need. Messi’s words are not just for his teammates, but also for the fans who stand by them.
For now, all eyes will be on Inter Miami as they prepare for their remaining matches in May and get ready for the Club World Cup. Can they find their rhythm again? Will Messi stay longer with the team? What will happen when the new stadium is ready in 2026?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain — Lionel Messi is not someone who walks away when things get tough. He is here to fight, to lead, and to bring his team back on track. As he said, “We have to be more united than ever, be a real team, and get through it.”
Messi’s passion, honesty, and strong belief in teamwork are what make him not just a great player but also a great leader. His words will surely stay in the hearts of fans and teammates as they face the challenges ahead.
