Cristian Gonzalez has urged Inter Miami to “continue to improve” after their place in the MLS playoffs.
The Herons qualified after beating New York City FC 2-0 on Wednesday thanks to goals from German Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul, the latter assisted by Lionel Messi.
Miami is second in the Eastern Conference after back-to-back wins in the league, but is 14 points behind leaders Nashville SC, who have secured the Supporters’ Shield outright.
Nevertheless, Gonzalez urged his Miami side to correct their mistakes ahead of Saturday’s clash with Atlanta United.
“Okay [qualifying for the playoffs] That was one of the club’s first goals for the season and we’re there, but we still have to keep improving as a team,” Gonzalez said.
“When you have players who want to buy into the vision you’re trying to bring to life, it’s easier.
“We recognize the mistakes we’ve made, or still make, and fix them in training. And really, that willingness makes it much easier to communicate clear concepts.”
Gonzalez also spoke about the star football player Messi, who has had an intense and emotional year both on and off the field.
After Argentina reached their second consecutive World Cup final, this time losing to Spain, Messi’s father died, leading to his retirement from international football.
“This is a club that looks after him and protects him,” Gonzalez said of Messi.
“His teammates show him constant love. They do anything for him and give everything they have. He pushes us to be better and challenges us every day.”
The playoffs are guaranteed! Let’s go further!
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 15, 2026
Meanwhile, Atlanta returned to winning ways in MLS with a 3-0 win over CF Montreal during the week.
The Five Stripes are still in 14th place in the East, but now sit just six points out of the playoffs with five regular season games remaining.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Atlanta United – Miguel Almiron
Miguel Almiron has scored in back-to-back games, including scoring the first goal in Wednesday’s win in Montreal.
The goal was Almiro’s seventh win in all competitions for Atlanta, third most in club history (Joseph Martinez – 31, Thiago Almada – eight).
Inter Miami – Lionel Messi
Messi had an assist in Miami’s win over NYCFC, his 11th straight regular season match with a goal contribution.
The only longer streaks in MLS history are Martinez’s 15 in 2019 and Sebastian Giovinco’s 12 in 2018.
MATCH PREDICTION – INTER MIAMI WIN
After winning just two of their previous 12 matches in all competitions (D5 L5), keeping just one clean sheet, Miami made it back-to-back wins, both at home.
Miami hasn’t won on the road in nearly three months since a 1-0 victory in Montreal on July 25.
Atlanta has scored more than one goal in eight of its last 12 regular-season games, including tying a season-high win over Montreal, with just 19 goals in those games.
Since Messi made his debut for the club in July 2023, the Five Stripes have recorded four wins over Miami in all competitions, the most by any MLS team over Miami in all competitions since Messi joined the Herons.
OPTA WIN probability
Atlanta United – 28.5%
Win – 24.4%
Inter Miami – 47.1%