'We are one of the favorites' - Lionel Messi speaks on Inter Miami's MLS Cup dreams ahead of first round matchup

Lionel Messi has revealed he believes Inter Miami are among the top contenders for MLS Cup - and have a good chance of securing a first championship in club history. The Argentine led the Herons to a Supporter's Shield win this campaign on the back of a 20 goal, 16 assist season that has him a serious candidate for his first MVP award stateside. Miami won the Eastern Conference and fought off a late charge from Columbus Crew to end the campaign with the most points in league history.

In an excerpt from an interview, Messi outlined Miami's playoff hopes: "Well, I think we are one of the favorites. I think we are a team that has grown and learned to compete and that will compete with anyone. But I think there are also tough teams who will be very difficult rivals and who will not make it easy. But I think the other teams respect us like we respect them."

Miami will face a tricky path to MLS Cup. They struggled to a chaotic 2-2 draw against first round opponents Atlanta United last month, and if results go as expected with face the Crew in the Eastern Conference finals - a matchup between the two sides widely considered the best in the league.

This will be Messi's first taste of MLS playoffs. The Herons didn't qualify for last year's postseason following a poor start to the season. They did, however, clinch the Leagues Cup in the Argentine's first campaign.

The Herons start their MLS Cup hopes Friday night with a first round matchup against Atlanta at home. They then travel to Georgia next weekend for game two. A game three, if needed, will be on Nov. 9 in Miami.