Lionel Messi's MLS struggles shown by shocking Phil Neville stat as Inter Miami boss Tata Martino's underwhelming record is revealed by Taylor Twellman

Despite Messi leading the Herons to their first ever trophy by winning the Leagues Cup last season and rising up the Major League Soccer table, manager Martino's record has been called into question. Ex-US player Twellman referenced the fact that Neville, who was in charge at Miami between 2021-23, had a win percentage of 38.89 in 90 games, whereas his successor's record is 38.24% in 34 matches. Moreover, their last win was a 3-1 victory away to D.C United in mid-March - six games ago.

On X, formerly Twitter, the ex-New England Revolution star tweeted: "What if I told you that Tata Martino has a lower win % in @MLS than Phil Neville did at Inter Miami….. would you believe me?! Neville finished his spell in south Florida with a win rate of just 38.9% while currently Martino’s is at 38.2%. Interesting how this group recovers before the summer…do they go [on] a run before Copa America/Olympics this summer (June 2nd)?!"

Messi returned to the Miami first team after injury but could not stop his side falling to a 3-1 defeat to Monterrey in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this week. While they are out of that competition, they are third in the Eastern Conference of the MLS and the Argentine World Cup winner is back fit. With him in the side, there is likely to be an upturn in form. If there isn't, Martino will be under increased pressure to keep his job.

Messi is likely to feature again for Miami when they travel to Sporting KC on Saturday night, followed by a home clash against Nashville a week later. If results go their way this weekend, they could go top top of the table.