"I think we are one of the favorites" - Lionel Messi rates Inter Miami's chances in the MLS Cup as team gets set for Playoffs

Inter Miami talisman Lionel Messi rated his side’s chances of winning the MLS Cup as they square off with Atlanta United for round one of the playoffs on October 25. He reckons they are one of the favorites to win the MLS Cup but admits that there are teams that will give them a run for their money in the competition.

The MLS Cup playoffs began on October 22 as CF Montreal and Atlanta United locked horns in an Eastern Conference wildcard round. Atlanta secured a 5-4 penalty shootout victory after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. As a result, they booked their spot into the next round, where they will face Lionel Messi’s Inter Maimi in a best-of-three series.

Ahead of the clash tonight, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano interviewed Lionel Mesi and asked him how he estimated Inter Miami’s chances of winning the MLS Cup. Messi said:

''I think we are one of the favorites. I think we are a team that has grown and learned to compete and that will compete will anyone. But I think there are also teams who will be very difficult rivals, and who will not make it easy. But I think the other teams respect us like we respect them.’’

Inter Miami will play against Atlanta United in a best-of-three series as both sides look to book their spot in the Conference semifinals. The first leg will be played today, while the second and third legs will be played on November 2 and November 9, respectively.

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Will Lionel Messi play tonight as Inter Miami take on Atlanta United?

Inter Miami will host Atlanta United at the Chase Stadium today in the first leg of a three-leg quarterfinal fixture of the MLS Cup playoffs. The Herons secured their spot in the MLS Cup playoffs after they won the Supporters’ Shield.

Lionel Messi came on from the bench in Inter Miami’s last game of the 2024 regular MLS season against the New England Revolution. He scored a hattrick to inspire his side to a 6-2 victory. Consequently, they set a new record as the team with the most points (74) in a single season in the history of the MLS.

Lionel Messi has been in scintillating goal-scoring form for Inter Maimi since he returned from injury. He is expected to lead the Herons in the best of three series knockout games against Atlanta United. Overall. he's registered 22 goals and 12 assists in 22 games across competitions.

With Lionel Messi in their ranks, they will be favorites to lift the coveted trophy. The Herons couldn’t qualify for the MLS playoffs last season because they finished rock bottom in the standings.