After Inter Miami CF secured a historic spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino delivered a message that reflected his high expectations for the team. Martino made it clear that although Inter Miami has achieved significant milestones, including their recent qualification, they are not entering the competition as favorites. Instead, he underscored that success in the Champions Cup will depend entirely on the team’s performance on the pitch.
Martino drew comparisons between Inter Miami and other elite clubs in North America, stating that his team shares the same responsibilities as top-tier competitors from Liga MX, such as Club América, Monterrey, and Pachuca. He emphasized that no team, including Miami, could claim favoritism based solely on reputation or prior achievements. According to Martino, true contenders in this competition will be determined by how they play during the matches, not by pre-tournament expectations.
In addition, Martino downplayed any notion that the arrival of superstars like Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets automatically makes Inter Miami the front-runners. He stressed that these high-profile signings have undoubtedly strengthened the squad, but the team’s fate will be decided on the field. “We have the same obligations as teams like Philadelphia and América. The only way we can turn ourselves into favorites is through what we do on the pitch,” Martino remarked, reiterating the need for hard work and focus
Martino’s comments also touched on the challenges ahead. He recognized the highly competitive nature of the Concacaf Champions Cup, a tournament where clubs from various leagues across North and Central America vie for continental dominance. Martino’s experience coaching teams in different countries, including his time with FC Barcelona, Atlanta United, and the Argentina national team, provides him with a unique perspective on how to approach such high-stakes competitions. His familiarity with Concacaf competitions, coupled with the influx of experienced players like Messi and Busquets, gives Inter Miami a distinct advantage. However, Martino remains adamant that titles are not handed out based on reputation—they must be earned through performance.
The head coach also provided updates on the team’s roster, mentioning that veteran defender Jordi Alba was dealing with health issues and his participation in upcoming matches would depend on his recovery. Despite these uncertainties, Martino expressed confidence in the depth of his squad, including young players like Federico Redondo, who is poised to make his debut.
In conclusion, Martino’s message ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup sends a clear signal: while Inter Miami’s journey has been impressive, including winning the Leagues Cup, the team’s focus is now squarely on proving themselves in the Champions Cup. Martino’s leadership will be crucial as they prepare to take on the best teams in the region, with no illusions of favoritism, only a clear vision of what needs to be done
