It’s no surprise that Inter Miami manager Tata Martino will focus on Lionel Messi in 2024.

On January 11th, Martino spoke on a variety of topics, including making sure the World Cup winner is the focal point of Miami’s attack.

In the latter half of 2023, the Herons failed to make the playoffs due to fatigue, lack of rotation, and injuries.

Speaking to ESPN, the coach was adamant that the organization would bring in players to complement Messi’s playing style and that the team is making sure challenging for more silverware is possible

Tata Speaks On Messi, Inter Miami

“We have to try to find ways of playing where the versions, especially in this case of Leo, can be the best, without trying to improve him individually,” he said.

He continued: “Probably the question is about assembling the team, that is, finding an even better version through the rest of the players.

“We would be talking about something difficult, because a better version is not easy, but I focus more on this: what way we can surround [Messi], or find him, and try not to give our opponents so many signs of how we are going to play, for example, with Leo.”

Already Miami has brought in the likes of Luis Suarez, Julian Gressel and had a bid rejected for talented Argentine midfielder Cristian Medina.

Though there’s still a week before the Herons officially kick off their preseason schedule, many fans are worried about Miami’s lack of defensive reinforcements.

Ultimately, it’s clear that Miami is working behind the scenes to improve this area. But, whoever they bring in, the player will likely be a starter.