After Inter Miami’s failed attempt to qualify for the MLS playoffs, Lionel Messi gave an open evaluation on his first season with the team.
- Messi left PSG and went to Miami.
- 11 goals in the first 14 games.
- Considered the United States’ first season.
WHAT OCCURED? After leaving Paris Saint-Germain in June, Messi embarked on a new journey by signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami. The World Cup winner made an immediate impression in Florida, scoring 11 goals in his first 14 games across all leagues and even assisting Miami in winning their first-ever trophy, the inaugural Leagues Cup. However, Miami’s 2023 MLS season took a turn for the worst as they lost out on a playoff spot and Messi battled minor physical difficulties. Nevertheless, the 36-year-old is eager to highlight the advantages of his first few months in the country and believes that 2024 will feature many more “incredible moments.”
WHAT THEY SAID: “I am proud of everything the team accomplished this season,” Messi wrote in a post on Instagram. “With everyone’s work and effort, we were able to win the leagues cup winning the first title in the history of Inter Miami, we reached the final of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and we were even fighting to get into the Playoffs of MLS until the last moment. We are left with all the good things and above all with the desire to improve to be even more competitive next year. I would like to thank all the people at the club and the city of Miami for the support they always give us. I am sure that we will continue to live incredible moments together as has happened in recent months. A hug for everyone!”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi, who reportedly came close to rejoining Barcelona in the summer transfer window, has been predicted to return to the club on loan during the MLS off-season. The Argentina international, however, has emphasised that he would only be concentrating on his international obligations in the upcoming months because he also intends to take a much-needed vacation after his efforts in Miami.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO INTER MIAMI? Tata Martino, the head coach, has already begun planning for the 2024 MLS season, with Luis Suarez reportedly being his top transfer target. With Gremio anticipated to be receptive to a sale after originally delaying the deal in the middle of the Brazilian Serie A season, the former Barcelona striker is set to reunite with Messi at DRV PNK Stadium.