Messi’s Masterclass: A New Chapter in Miami’s Playoff Journey

omidbasir- Lionel Messi has often been questioned about his remarkable longevity and sustained effectiveness in football, especially at the age of 38. His answer, while seemingly simple, reflects a deep understanding of the game: he has mastered the art of conserving energy.

Unlike younger players who sprint relentlessly, Messi now strategically positions himself on the field, making selective movements to receive passes. He excels at exploiting small spaces without the need for constant movement. This energy conservation extends to his defensive efforts as well; traditionally, he refrains from pressing opponents, allowing others to fulfill those roles.

However, a significant transformation occurred on Sunday night. Messi demonstrated a newfound vigor in his defensive responsibilities, actively disrupting Cincinnati’s passing lanes and assisting in preventing threats. In a pivotal moment leading to Miami’s third goal, he dropped back to win the ball before executing a precise pass that resulted in a goal.

Manager Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s dual contribution, emphasizing his effectiveness both on and off the ball. The statistics from the match further illustrate his impact: Messi created eight scoring opportunities, recorded three assists, and netted the opening goal. His achievements have set an MLS record for goal contributions in a single playoff campaign, with 12 contributions and a staggering average of one every 28.6 minutes over his last seven matches.

Moreover, Messi’s efficiency is evident. While he may not have led in touches, his influence remains unmatched; he completed more dribbles and had a superior pass completion rate than any other attacking player on the field. Yet, numbers alone cannot fully encapsulate his brilliance. His contributions are defined by key moments, such as initiating plays and executing assists with precision.

This exceptional form is not new for Messi; he was named MVP last year and is a strong contender for the title again. His consistent performances have been a hallmark of his career, whether at PSG, in international friendlies, or during World Cup finals.

For Inter Miami, the team’s overall performance has improved, particularly defensively, which has been a weakness throughout the season. The recent addition of intensity, partly due to Messi’s contributions, has allowed the team to tighten their defense. Moreover, the absence of suspended players has lightened the load on the remaining squad members.

Despite facing challenges, including missed opportunities from Cincinnati’s potent players, Miami has managed to create a stronger defensive structure. This includes allowing Messi the freedom to shine while maintaining a solid backline, which has resulted in a competitive playoff run with minimal goals conceded.

There’s a clear disparity within MLS this year, with the Eastern Conference exhibiting significantly higher competitiveness than the West. Miami’s path has been tougher due to the quality of opponents they have faced, but they have risen to the occasion, showcasing resilience against Cincinnati, a team that previously defeated them.

Looking ahead, the question arises: who can stop Miami? While Philadelphia posed a potential threat, they have been eliminated, leaving Miami positioned as a formidable opponent for any team in the finals. As Miami prepares to host the Western Conference champions, they appear revitalized and ready to confront the challenges ahead.

Ultimately, the Messi effect remains the most significant influence in Miami’s success, characterized by his goals, assists, and those defining moments that make him an invaluable asset. It is clear that, with Messi leading the charge, Miami has become a team that is exceptionally difficult to defeat.