Inter Miami face Atlanta United this week in what will be only their second run in the MLS play-offs.
A transformative season led by Lionel Messi and company saw Inter Miami win the Supporters’ Shield and claim the regular-season points record, with the Herons the strong favorites to go all the way in the post-season to win MLS Cup.
With Matt Doyle banking Inter Miami to win if Messi can stay fit, the Florida franchise are in strong form heading into this week’s series against Atlanta, with the first tie taking place at Chase Stadium before heading to Georgia next week.
And Atlanta defender Stian Gregersen has shares how he feels taking on Messi at Inter Miami.
Stian Gregersen excited to face Inter Miami having already beaten Messi
Speaking to the press ahead of Friday’s clash with Inter Miami, the Norwegian defender shared his excitement in playing such a big game for Atlanta, with Gregersen keen to take on and beat Messi once again.
With Atlanta’s interim head coach Rob Valentino also looking forward to facing Inter Miami, this play-off series promises to be quite the spectacle for neutral supporters with both teams in good form.
And for Gregersen, the 29-year-old is excited to face Inter Miami once again and to also get one over on Messi, with Atlanta beating the Herons in the early stages of the regular season this year at Chase Stadium.
Gregersen said: “I love to play the big games, I played with him against PSG, now I come to MLS and it was good to beat him also. It’s going to be a tough match. He’s one of the best players in the world, so we have to watch out for him, but I’m looking forward to it. We’re going to stay solid and try our best.”
Inter Miami know they are in for a big test against Atlanta
With Atlanta winning their last three games, Inter Miami know they are in for a big test in their first play-off series of the 2024 post-season where the Five Stripes have history at this stage of the campaign.
| Inter Miami’s last six games | Atlanta United’s last six games |
| Inter Miami 6-2 New England Revolution | CF Montreal 2-2 Atlanta United (P) |
| Toronto FC 0-1 Inter Miami | Orlando City 1-2 Atlanta United |
| Columbus Crew 2-3 Inter Miami | Atlanta United 2-1 New York Red Bulls |
| Inter Miami 1-1 Charlotte FC | Atlanta United 1-2 CF Montreal |
| New York City FC 1-1 Inter Miami | Philadelphia Union 1-1 Atlanta United |
| Atlanta United 2-2 Inter Miami | New York Red Bulls 2-2 Atlanta United |
Even with Inter Miami having the better record in their last six games, Atlanta have hit form at the right time, with the Georgia franchise also playing a play-off match and winning on penalties against CF Montreal.
Indeed, Inter Miami know that this is the time in the season where performance levels have to go up another gear, and beating Atlanta will do just that for Tata Martino’s side.