"Defended the game really well" - NYCFC coach explains how the MLS side kept Lionel Messi and Co. quiet in draw against Inter Miami

New York City FC coach Nick Cushing recently spoke about how he managed to stop Lionel Messi's Inter Miami during their 1-1 draw on Saturday, September 21. The Herons have been in impressive form this season, sitting atop the MLS Eastern Conference Table with 64 points.

Lionel Messi recently returned to the pitch after spending two months outside due to an ankle injury sustained in the 2024 Copa America final. Messi and Luis Suarez's duo in the attack has worked wonders for the Herons this season but Cushing's master plan managed to keep them in check on Saturday.

In an interview with talkSPORT, NYCFC coach Nick Cushing spoke about his strategy to stop Lionel Messi and Co, saying:

"It's incredibly difficult when you play a team of their level. They're running away with the MLS currently, and for us, it was about reducing the spaces and the amount of time that they get to impact the game. We're a high-pressing team and we like to press really hard. We like to try and turn the defensive side of our game into our attack."

Cushing added:

"We reduced Messi one touch in the box, Suarez three shots in the game - we defended the game really well, which gave us the opportunity to get something out of it."

After the first half ended 0-0, Leonardo Campana gave the Herons the lead in the 75th minute via a Jordi Alba assist. However, New York City FC equalized during stoppage time (90+5') as James Sands found the back of the net, leading to the final 1-1 scoreline.

Inter Miami will next face Charlotte FC in the MLS on September 28.

---

When Kevin O'Toole spoke about facing Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in MLS clash

Messi - Source: Getty

Ahead of facing Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the MLS, New York City FC defender Kevin O'Toole shared his feelings about playing against the Argentine. He told The Post:

“He’s a player I’ve looked up to my whole life, so to share the same pitch with him is going to be a great privilege.”

O'Toole had previously clashed with the Herons during an exhibition game when NYCFC secured a 2-1 over Lionel Messi's side. Speaking about his experience, he added:

"It was definitely a surreal feeling. I definitely felt that in the first game. Having that experience now, it will hopefully, be a bit more normal [Saturday]. The environment that comes with it is going to be quite different. There’s going to be more people than what we’re used to there. It’ll all be very exciting and I’ll try to channel that.”

O'Toole performed satisfactorily against Inter Miami, making two clearances completing and two successful tackles.