Inter Miami CF came out on top in convincing fashion when they took on Atlanta United FC on Tuesday night, as a 4-0 win sealed their spot in the playoffs. Lionel Messi shone brightest, scoring a double and registering his first assist for his new club. Josef Martínez, the Argentine’s attacking partner in the Florida outfit, reacted after the game: “We need to learn from the best player in the world”.
In this key match-up, the team coached by Gerardo “Tata” Martino secured top spot in the group, and now await their next opponent in the Round of 32 on August 2. Martínez spoke at the end of the match: “I’m happy, we want to win whatever the tournament. We won convincingly against a tough opponent, I’m happy with the work that we all put in”.
As he continues his upturn in form, as noted by his head coach, the forward added: “I’m trying to play as best as I can. At the end of the day, we all want to raise the team’s performances, and it’s all the better if we win.”
The forward also spoke about what it meant to have Leo in the roster: “When you play with that kind of player you always have to be ready. You have to enjoy it because not everyone will get the opportunity. Beyond our relationship off the pitch, he’s a winner and so am I. And we need to learn from the best player in the world”.
Martínez also spoke about why the South 3 match-up was emotional for him, as he looked back on his stint in Georgia: “A big part of my heart is with Atlanta United FC. I had some great moments there.”
Dixon Arroyo: “We have to enjoy it, make the most of it and learn from Leo and Busquets”.
The Ecuadorian midfielder Dixon Arroyo also gave his thoughts after the game at DRV PNK Stadium, and highlighted the importance of having both Messi and Sergio Busquets among the Inter Miami CF ranks.
“We all know who it is who’s arrived. Playing with them is easy. We have to let them do their thing and work hard behind the scenes. You have to adapt to what the club needs. It’s up to us to win the ball back and play it to Busquets or to Leo. We have to enjoy it, make the most of it and learn from them”, concluded the 31-year-old midfielder.
The South American went on to highlight the importance of righting the team’s course, and pointed out that the recent star signings gave the squad a necessary boost in quality: “We needed to start winning to gain confidence and consistency. We’re hoping to win this title.”
