Inter Miami Channels Ted Lasso's "Goldfish Memory" Philosophy to Bounce Back from MLS Cup Playoff Heartbreak

Flashbacks from last year inevitably surface for Inter Miami as they gear up for the decisive third match of their opening playoff round against Nashville SC in the 2025 MLS Cup postseason, though head coach Javier Mascherano has encouraged his team to leave the past behind and concentrate on what lies ahead.

In 2024, Miami kicked off their inaugural playoff campaign with Lionel Messi and their star-laden roster as Supporters' Shield champions, securing victory in the opener before suffering defeat in the second encounter and the crucial third match at their home venue, being eliminated by ninth-seeded Atlanta United.

This autumn, the situation remains remarkably similar. Miami isn't the top seed this time; they hold the third position, battling sixth-seeded Nashville, yet the pattern has repeated itself. They claimed victory in the first game at home, suffered a loss in the second match away, and must now contest a determining third game on November 8th.

"Absorb the bitterness we're experiencing, contain it and allow it to intensify throughout the week so we can release it on Saturday at home with our supporters behind us. That's our approach," an exasperated Mascherano expressed to media following their second-game defeat. "Today calls for us to stand closer to our players than ever, more unified than ever, because I maintain strong belief that we'll reverse this situation."

"We must hold onto all the frustration we experienced today when the match concluded, let it simmer and, most importantly, not release it prematurely. Save it for when we need to unleash it, which is on Saturday."

With the third game approaching, can Miami prevent another disaster?

Drawing Motivation from Ted Lasso

In his debut campaign as a professional manager, Mascherano hasn't managed to guide Inter Miami to a significant triumph, coming up short in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, the Leagues Cup championship match, and the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup.

However, he appears to be drawing guidance from one of America's most beloved soccer managers—albeit a fictional character, Ted Lasso.

While Lasso famously advised his imaginary English Premier League team, AFC Richmond, to "maintain the memory of a goldfish," the Argentine manager has adopted a comparable approach with Miami.

"It's about possessing the memory of a fish," he explained. "That's the way it works, a fish's memory. Forget today's events, attempt to enhance what requires improvement, build upon our successes, and on Saturday, nothing surpasses a high-stakes scenario.

"At least from my perspective, that's what matters, that's why we remain here. If we didn't desire this pressure-filled situation, we'd be home sipping mate and watching the sunset."

While the Herons will aim to erase portions of their second game performance, they must certainly recall last season's third game, when they surrendered an early 1-0 advantage within moments, ultimately falling 3-2 to an outmatched Atlanta squad.

This campaign, they've demonstrated their capabilities. Messi concluded the season with 29 goals and 19 assists across 29 appearances, while the supporting players largely delivered during the regular season. For Messi and numerous teammates, they may wish to forget the second game, but recalling last year's devastating loss can serve only as motivation.

Can Departing Alba, Busquets Make the Impact Like Messi?

If any player possesses the ability to single-handedly decide a match, it's Lionel Messi.

Though Nashville has successfully managed this challenge multiple times since the Argentine's arrival in 2023, he continues to find success, netting the late strike in the second game. Should Miami advance, there's minimal doubt Messi will contribute significantly to that outcome.

Nevertheless, he requires support. While the attention will focus entirely on progressing past Nashville at home, the 38-year-old lacks sufficient resources to pursue an MLS Cup championship alone, and Miami's defensive vulnerabilities have proven costly at various points this season.

Will either Sergio Busquets or Jordi Alba rise to the occasion in what might be their final appearance? Neither has excelled in the series thus far, but they'll need their finest performance in transitions and defensive positioning, particularly against Nashville's formidable partnership of Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge.

"We struggled to find Leo in favorable positions during the first half, and we lacked precision in the attacking third, and credit goes to our opponents for that," Mascherano noted. "In the second half, despite their defensive approach, we succeeded in generating several additional opportunities."

The advancing team will face another side that also progresses from a third game, with the victor scheduled to meet the winning team from the Hell is Real Derby series between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew, with that contest also set for November 8th.