Inter Miami coach words after losing 5-2 against Atlanta United

Inter Miami had a painful defeat against Atlanta United in a match that ended in favor of the locals with a final score of 5-2. This is one of the heaviest defeats in the history of Inter Miami. It should be remembered that this match did not have the presence of Lionel Messi, who was coming off certain injuries with his national team. In fact, the footballer would not have liked the decision to be left out, but it was a decision for him to finish recovering.

The Argentine star, 36, had not been part of Argentina's victory against Bolivia in the South American Qualifiers in La Paz and this weekend he remained in Miami like the Spanish Jordi Alba, who suffers similar physical problems. “Two days before we had already made the decision that they would not come. We ran the risk of having worse consequences if they came to play this match,” Martino clarified.

The defeat against Atlanta United is Inter Miami's first defeat after the arrival of Lionel Messi to the MLS. The Argentine player was not even part of the squad for this match. “We started the race very far back, we are not going to abandon it but our sights are set on the 27th,” stressed the Inter Miami coach. “Even if we win everything, we are not sure of being able to enter” the playoffs, he insisted.

What else did Gerardo Martino say?

“This defeat hurts us and takes away our chances, but it is not decisive.” And he added: “There was a half hour when we were better and we took the lead. I have doubts about the tying goal, about whether the ball went in or not. There is no image to show that the ball went in.” Inter, who said goodbye to a 12-game unbeaten streak since Messi signed, lost a great opportunity to continue climbing towards the playoff zone. Now, the team will turn its attention to the final of the US Open Cup, to be held on September 27.