The Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season is set to kick off on February 22, with Inter Miami playing host to Real Salt Lake at the DRV PNK Stadium. This match marks the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating season, particularly for Inter Miami, thanks to the high-profile addition of Lionel Messi to their squad.
Messi's Impactful Debut Season
Last season, Lionel Messi, one of the most celebrated footballers globally, made his much-anticipated debut for Inter Miami. Since his arrival, the club has seen a significant uptick in ticket and jersey sales, underscoring the Argentine superstar's vast appeal. Beyond the merchandise and match day tickets, Messi's presence on Inter Miami's roster has also driven up Apple TV subscriptions, highlighting his impact both on and off the pitch.
Messi's influence extends beyond the commercial aspects of the game. His decision to join MLS has been hailed as a pivotal moment for American soccer, setting the stage to attract other top-tier international players to the league. This pattern is exemplified by the recent signing of Luis Suarez, another renowned football talent and Messi's close friend, by Inter Miami.
Building on Previous Success
Despite finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference the previous season, their poorest showing since 2020, Inter Miami has reasons to remain optimistic. The team's spirits are buoyed by their Leagues Cup triumph, where they emerged victorious against Nashville SC through a penalty shootout. This victory not only added silverware to their cabinet but also provided a blueprint for success that the team aims to replicate in the MLS.
In preparation for the current season, Inter Miami engaged in eight pre-season friendly matches, securing one victory. Among these fixtures was a notable encounter against Newell's Old Boys, Messi's boyhood club, providing a nostalgic moment for the star player.
A Promising Roster
As Inter Miami gears up for the upcoming season, the trio of Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets stands out as pivotal figures for the team. Their extensive experience and proven track records at the highest levels of football bring a wealth of tactical and technical expertise to the squad. With these key players, Inter Miami has set its sights on not just competing but contending for the MLS title this season.
The road ahead, however, presents formidable challenges. The team is slated to face tough opponents, including New York City FC and Atlanta United, teams known for their competitive edge in the league. Despite these hurdles, Inter Miami is predicted to finish third in the Eastern Conference, an improvement from their previous performance and a testament to the positive outlook surrounding the team.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 MLS regular season, which runs until October, will conclude with the MLS Cup Playoffs starting in late October. The high stakes of the playoff games, leading up to the Conference Semifinals and Finals in November and early December, set the stage for intense football action.
Anticipation for Inter Miami's opening match is palpable, with tickets already sold out, signaling the fans' eagerness to support their team from the very beginning. The MLS Cup final, scheduled for December 7, looms as the ultimate goal for all teams, including Inter Miami, who dreams of clinching their first MLS title.
Luis Suarez, speaking about his move, encapsulated the optimism and ambition that pervades Inter Miami: "Inter Miami offered me a wonderful 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."
With the combination of experienced international stars and a motivated squad, Inter Miami is poised to make a significant impact in the MLS this season. As the team embarks on this exciting journey, the question that remains is whether they can translate their potential into consistent performances that propel them to the pinnacle of American soccer.