Get Newsletter
Notification products, updates
October 21, 2024
Lionel Messi has already helped Inter Miami achieve historic success in 2024. The club lifted the Supporters’ Shield after finishing at the top of Major League Soccer’s regular-season standings. Their dominant 6-2 win over the New England Revolution, in which Messi scored his first MLS hat-trick, secured a record-breaking 74 points—the highest in MLS history.
However, topping the regular season in MLS doesn’t guarantee a championship. As is common in American sports, the true champion is decided through post-season playoffs, which begin this week. Messi and former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba will face their most important matches yet as Inter Miami players.
With Tata Martino, also formerly of Barcelona and Argentina, at the helm, Inter Miami has its sights set on making their record-breaking season even more memorable by winning the MLS Cup. The upcoming weeks will determine if Messi’s magic can guide them to ultimate glory.
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has brought immense excitement, with two trophies already in the bag, including the Supporters’ Shield and the Leagues Cup shortly after his July 2023 debut. The Leagues Cup, which pits MLS teams against Mexico’s Liga MX in a World Cup-style tournament, seemed tailor-made for Messi. Miami went on to win it by defeating Nashville in a dramatic penalty shootout. However, while the Leagues Cup win was significant, the real test for Messi and his team will come in the MLS Cup playoffs.
For many, Messi’s pursuit of MLS’ flagship title is seen as beneficial for the league, drawing unprecedented attention. Yet, not everyone is thrilled by the “Messi mania.” Fans of other teams have grown frustrated by the overwhelming focus on Inter Miami and the Argentine star. As the team’s success builds, so does the desire among rivals to defeat them. This dynamic could actually bolster the league’s competitiveness, something MLS—without a traditional title race or relegation—sometimes lacks.
Despite some discontent, there’s no denying the broader excitement Messi has generated. Stadiums across the country have been packed with fans eager to see one of the greatest players of all time in action. If Inter Miami reaches the MLS Cup final, it could be one of the most highly anticipated in league history. However, with MLS opting to broadcast Messi’s games exclusively through Apple TV’s subscription service, some fans worry the decision could limit the audience for a historic moment.
Though Lionel Messi frequently vacationed in Miami before joining Inter Miami, his time in Major League Soccer (MLS) has been anything but a laid-back end-of-career retreat. His fierce determination to win, which led Argentina to glory in recent years, is clearly visible in his leadership at Inter Miami. At 37, Messi’s role as captain is more than symbolic—he remains highly competitive. He is focused on turning the club into a consistent winner.
Messi’s leadership extends beyond his personal performance, as he’s actively involved in supporting younger players like 21-year-old Diego Gomez, who is heading to Brighton, and local talent Benjamin Cremaschi, aged 19. Alongside familiar faces such as Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Messi has helped form a strong bond within the team. Head coach Tata Martino, who previously coached Messi and some of his Barcelona teammates, has been instrumental in integrating these star players while fostering a solid team dynamic. Martino and sporting director Chris Henderson have built a squad that continued to deliver results even when key players were unavailable.
The 2024 season saw Inter Miami thrive despite challenges like international call-ups for Messi and Suarez and the absence of both players during the 2024 Copa America. Messi’s injury at the tournament kept him out of the Leagues Cup, where Miami exited in the last 16, and sidelined him for additional MLS matches. Yet, remarkably, in the nine games without Messi, Inter Miami won eight, a critical factor in their record-breaking Supporters’ Shield triumph. While Messi’s brilliance has undoubtedly been vital, the team’s strength ensured regular-season success.
As Inter Miami heads into the MLS playoffs, their biggest challengers will likely come from the Eastern Conference, with Columbus Crew leading the charge. The Crew, under coach Wilfried Nancy, have earned praise for their exciting style of play. Top-seeded Los Angeles FC and their city rivals, LA Galaxy, could pose severe threats in the West. These teams aren’t just contenders for the MLS Cup but also for individual honors. The coach of the year race is expected to be between Nancy and Inter Miami’s Tata Martino, while the MVP will likely be a showdown between Messi and Crew striker Cucho Hernandez. Luis Suarez and LA Galaxy’s winger Gabriel Pec are strong candidates for Newcomer of the Year.
Christian Benteke of DC United has already claimed the Golden Boot, scoring 23 goals in 30 appearances. Continuing his excellent form from Gremio, Suarez finished the season with 20 goals in 27 appearances for Miami, tying with Messi as the club’s top scorer. Despite playing only a little more than half the season, Messi made a huge impact with 20 goals and 10 assists in 19 games, making him the frontrunner for MVP. His presence has transformed Inter Miami from a struggling side that finished 14th in the Eastern Conference in 2023 to record-breaking Supporters’ Shield winners in 2024.
Inter Miami’s stellar regular season gives them significant advantages heading into the playoffs. As the top seed, they’ll enjoy home-field advantage throughout, including a potential MLS Cup final at their home ground, Chase Stadium. For Messi and his former Barcelona teammates, the Supporters’ Shield win holds significant meaning. Still, they know the MLS Cup is the ultimate prize in this competition. The upcoming weeks will determine if they are able to cap their remarkable season with one more trophy.
Show your favorite team some love! Visit our site to let them know you’re cheering them on.
Footballnewstoday | La Liga 2 | Saudi Pro League | Major League Soccer | J League | EFL Championship | Brazilian Serie A