Gerardo Martino refused to touch upon options that Lionel Messi was saving himself for the Copa America, following Inter Miami’s 3-1 defeat by Atlanta United.
Regardless of his eleventh objective of the season – and first in three video games – Messi was unable to stop a primary loss in 11 MLS matches for the Japanese Convention leaders at Chase Stadium.
Saba Lobjanidze scored in every half to place Twelfth-place Atlanta in management and, although Messi halved the deficit, Jamal Thiare struck within the 73rd minute to snap the guests’ nine-game winless streak.
Messi, who was again within the beginning line-up after lacking Miami’s 2-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps final day out, will quickly hyperlink up with Argentina forward of their Copa America title defence, which begins in a few weeks’ time.
Martino was requested whether or not he thought the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s focus was distracted by the forthcoming match in the US, the place the reigning world champions will search their third silverware in 4 years.
We go once more on Saturdaypic.twitter.com/sbladb0p9P
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) Could 30, 2024
“No, I can’t speculate if Messi is saving himself for Copa America as a result of [that question has] no validity,” the top coach mentioned.
On Miami’s efficiency, he continued: “The primary feeling is that we had been lacking yet another gear in comparison with Atlanta, and that was evident within the first half and in the course of the second half.
“It was an evening the place the crew regressed in comparison with different video games. I feel we had been very properly outmatched, and so they beat us properly.
“The circumstances had been beneficial, far more for us than them. However their place on the desk is deceiving, and so they confirmed that.”
