'Aura that can influence the game' - Atlas coach Gonzalo Pineda aware of threat Leo Messi presents, wary of Leagues Cup matchup vs Inter Miami

Gonzalo Pineda knows Lionel Messi well. The Mexican coach of Atlanta United has already faced the Argentine star in MLS, and on Wednesday, he will do it again - this time as the manager of Atlas, in both teams’ debut at the 2025 Leagues Cup.

With a record of two wins and one loss against Messi’s Inter Miami, back when he was Atlanta coach, Pineda knows the challenge is tough, but not impossible. He said his team is ready to compete, while acknowledging the weight of facing a team led by Messi.

“Playing against him is always special. Messi has an aura that can influence the game even before he touches the ball. But if we want to compete, we have to turn off that aura from the first minute,” Pineda said.

The Mexican coach described the matchup with Inter Miami as “unforgettable” and underscored the environment surrounding the Florida-based team.

“It’s going to be a match to remember," he said. "We’re facing a club that has captured global attention and built a squad full of top-level talent.”

Pineda emphasized that, although Messi and Miami present a major challenge, Atlas will not back down.

“We also have talent, youth, and ambition," he said. "We want to go toe-to-toe and prove that Mexican soccer is ready for big moments.”

Gonzalo Pineda has faced Messi three times while coaching Atlanta United in the MLS, holding a 2-1 record. In 2023, the Mexican coach suffered a 4-0 defeat against Miami, but months later got revenge in a 5-2 win.

Then, in 2024, Pineda’s Atlanta United defeated Messi’s team 3-1.

Atlas will also face Orlando City and Atlanta United - the team that gave Pineda his first opportunity as a head coach - in Leagues Cup.