Get Newsletter
Notification products, updates
October 3, 2024
The Argentine superstar expressed immense joy after securing his second title with “Las Garzas.” His happiness was palpable as he reflected on the hard work and dedication that led to this achievement, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and perseverance. Winning this title adds to his illustrious career and strengthens his bond with the club and his teammates. Messi’s excitement resonated throughout the team, serving as a source of motivation for everyone involved as they look ahead to future challenges and opportunities.
This is how 2024 began for Inter Miami: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets—all former Barcelona teammates with a shared history of winning numerous titles—sat together after completing the first official training session of the new season. Seeing these four footballing icons gathered in one place is a testament to their collective experience and skill as they look to replicate their past successes in a new environment. Their camaraderie and familiarity were evident as they discussed their goals for the upcoming season, sharing laughter and memories from their time in Barcelona. This training session marks the start of a new chapter for the players and a promising season ahead for Inter Miami as they aim to build on their recent achievements.
And here is the latest development: Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets were once again seated together on Wednesday night, proudly displaying their latest achievement—the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the top team in Major League Soccer’s regular season.
With their recent 3-2 victory against the Columbus Crew, Inter Miami has secured the No. 1 seed for the MLS Cup playoffs, solidifying their position at the top. This match was one of the most highly anticipated regular-season games of the year, possibly the most talked-about in quite some time, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike.
“I am happy,” Messi said. “Happy for this group.”
Messi netted two goals, bringing his impressive tally to 17 goals in 17 MLS matches this season. Suarez contributed by scoring the decisive winner for Inter Miami on Wednesday. At the same time, goalkeeper Drake Callender showcased his skills with four crucial saves, including a pivotal stop on a penalty kick late in the second half.
“We still have more goals to go after in the playoffs,” Callender said.
Indeed, the accolade received on Wednesday is not the primary goal for Inter Miami—the MLS Cup remains the ultimate prize they aspire to win. However, the Supporters’ Shield signifies a crucial advancement for a franchise that faced numerous challenges during its initial three seasons. Everything shifted dramatically on June 7, 2023, when Messi surprised the soccer community by announcing his intention to join the team in South Florida, marking a pivotal moment in the club’s journey.
Messi’s arrival, soon complemented by Busquets and Alba joining Inter Miami, played a pivotal role in the team’s success in securing the Leagues Cup last year, marking their first trophy. Additionally, when Suarez officially signed a one-year deal with the club in December, it further cemented Inter Miami’s status as a favorite to win the MLS Cup.
“The idea was clear from the beginning: to be protagonists, to want to control possession, and to challenge opponents through our style of play,” Messi said. “Then key players arrived, which made the team grow even more in terms of gameplay, personality and competitiveness.”
With a record of 20-4-8, Inter Miami has accumulated 68 points with just two matches remaining in the MLS season. While these upcoming games have no bearing on their playoff seeding, they carry significant weight in league history.
If Inter Miami secures victories in both matches—first against Toronto on Saturday and then against New England on October 19—it could finish the season with 74 points. This would surpass New England’s record of 73 points, set in 2021.
However, how much playing time Messi will receive in these final two games remains to be determined. He is slated to compete for Argentina in World Cup qualifying matches on October 10 (against Venezuela) and October 15 (at home against Bolivia). Given the travel demands of flying back to the U.S. and potentially playing again on October 19, even with the points record within reach, it may be a tall order to expect him to perform at his best just a week before the MLS postseason begins.
“I believe surpassing the points record is secondary,” Messi said. “While we have a nice opportunity to make history in that regard as well, I think it matters less.”
Give your favorite player a boost! Visit our site to show how much you believe in them.
Football News Today | La Liga 2 | Saudi Pro League | Major League Soccer | Major League Soccer News | J League | EFL Championship | Brazilian Serie A