Inter Miami CF completed a 4-0 victory over Charlotte FC at DRV PNK Stadium, to emphatically stamp their ticket to the competition's semi-finals. The infusion of talent in the form of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba has not only revitalised the team but also potentially positioned them as frontrunners for Leagues Cup 2023.
Despite their current residence at the Eastern Conference's bottom rung in the MLS, the trio's impact has sparked a five-game winning streak for Inter Miami, during which they've netted an impressive 17 goals, all while conceding a mere six. Meanwhile for Charlotte, they will return to MLS action on August 20 after being knocked out in definitive fashion.
As the dust settles, the words of Charlotte head coach Christian Lattanzio resonate profoundly. "This Miami team is completely transformed," he declares, acknowledging the seismic shift in Inter Miami's dynamics. Lattanzio understands the nature of the semi-finals, where no team enjoys a comfortable advantage, but he cannot dismiss the influence of players of the caliber of Messi, Busquets, and Alba.
“And when you are in the semifinals, I don't think that there is a big favourite, but when you have Messi, Busquets and [Jordi] Alba in the team, surely you can’t hide from wanting to win every competition in which you take part.”
Lattanzio's perspective also offers a glimpse into the intrigue of the playoffs. He draws a parallel with Seattle's unexpected triumph in 2016, highlighting the potential for latecomers to shine on the grand stage. In the world of playoffs, every team possesses the capacity to emerge victorious, adding to the allure and magic of the competition.
“If they find a way of getting into the playoffs, I think they also have a chance there,” said Lattanzio. “I've seen it in the past in this league. I remember one year with Seattle [in 2016], they arrived very late in the playoffs, then they had a very good team at the time and they went all the way. So it’s still possible for every team to win it, and this is the beauty and the magic of the playoffs, I guess.”
In essence, the metamorphosis brought about by the arrivals of Messi, Busquets, and Alba has propelled Inter Miami CF into the semi-finals of Leagues Cup 2023. Their recent successes narrate a story of resurgence and domination, while Lattanzio's words serve as a testament to the formidable nature of this revitalised team.
