The Major League Soccer (MLS) season is off to an exciting start with Inter Miami welcoming Real Salt Lake to DRV PNK Stadium on February 22. This thrilling opener marks a new chapter for soccer in the United States, largely thanks to the impact of one extraordinary player: Lionel Messi. His debut season with Inter Miami turned many heads, both on and off the field, and set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season.
Messi's Unprecedented Impact
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami not only electrified the club’s fanbase but also significantly boosted the team's merchandise and ticket sales. More so, his presence in the league played a critical role in increasing Apple TV subscriptions, showcasing his unparalleled global appeal. His addition to the MLS is widely regarded as a watershed moment for soccer in America, signaling the league's potential to attract other premier international talents.
The Argentine superstar's influence extends beyond the business side. On the pitch, Messi has been pivotal in lifting the team's ambitions and performance. Alongside his close friend and recent signing, Luis Suarez, Messi has raised hopes within the club and its supporters for a successful campaign. Their partnership is highly anticipated, not least because of their storied history of playing together at FC Barcelona, promising a lethal combination of experience, skill, and chemistry.
Pre-Season Performance and Expectations
Despite a challenging pre-season, which saw Inter Miami secure only one victory from eight friendly matches, the team remains positive about the upcoming MLS season. The roster, bolstered by the addition of seasoned players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, alongside Messi and Suarez, forms a formidable lineup expected to spearhead the club's charge for the MLS title.
Last season’s 14th place finish in the Eastern Conference was a disappointment, marking the team's poorest performance since 2020. However, Inter Miami turned fortune’s tide by clinching the Leagues Cup title, overcoming Nashville SC in a dramatic penalty shootout. This victory underlines the team's potential and resilience, key qualities that will be critical in the long MLS regular season stretching until October, followed by the high-stakes playoffs beginning in late October.
Looking Ahead
With the entire regular season and the ensuing MLS Cup Playoffs ahead, Inter Miami faces a daunting task, including matchups against formidable opponents like New York City FC and Atlanta United. Despite these challenges, the team’s aspirations are high, with Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets poised to make significant contributions.
Notably, anticipation has peaked with tickets for the opening match against Real Salt Lake already sold out, demonstrating the fans' eagerness and support for the team. Moreover, preseason predictions place Inter Miami third in the Eastern Conference, just behind Columbus Crew, the previous season's winner predicted to secure the fourth spot. This optimistic outlook fuels the team's ambition to vie for the coveted MLS title.
As the MLS regular season progresses to the Conference Semifinals and Finals in November and early December, culminating in the MLS Cup final on December 7, all eyes will be on Inter Miami. The club's high-profile signings, led by Messi's star power, have set the stage for a potentially historic season.
In reflecting on his move to Inter Miami, Luis Suarez captured the sentiment pervading the club, stating, "Inter Miami offered me a nice opportunity to dream of winning the club's first MLS title, to play with big players, who everybody knows, and adapt to my new team and club." This sense of possibility, coupled with the array of talent at the team’s disposal, positions Inter Miami as one of the teams to watch this season.
In conclusion, the 2024 MLS season heralds an exciting period for Inter Miami and American soccer at large, thanks to the impact of Lionel Messi and the stellar lineup assembled. With the stage set for a thrilling campaign, soccer fans around the globe wait with bated breath to see if this will indeed be Inter Miami's year to etch their name in MLS history.