The Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to kick off on February 22, with an exciting match as Inter Miami welcomes Real Salt Lake to DRV PNK Stadium. This season holds significant anticipation, not least because of the stellar presence of Lionel Messi, who made his debut for Inter Miami in the previous season.
A New Chapter Begins
Inter Miami's performance last season left much to be desired, finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference, marking their worst standing since 2020. However, the team managed to clinch the Leagues Cup title, triumphing over Nashville SC in a dramatic penalty shootout. It was a moment of redemption for the club, highlighting their potential and setting the stage for a promising new season.
The addition of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami was more than a high-profile transfer; it was a seismic shift in the landscape of American soccer. Messi's arrival sparked an unprecedented surge in ticket and jersey sales for the club. Moreover, his influence extended beyond the pitch, boosting Apple TV subscriptions as fans and enthusiasts sought to catch a glimpse of the soccer maestro in action.
The Messi Effect
Messi's move to MLS is viewed by many as a pivotal moment for the league, capable of attracting other top international talent to America's shores. His presence on the team, alongside the signing of Luis Suarez, another renowned figure in global soccer and a close friend of Messi, has galvanized both the squad and supporters. The duo's chemistry and experience are anticipated to play a crucial role in Inter Miami's campaign this season.
In a nod to Messi's roots, Inter Miami faced his boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys, during the pre-season, which, despite a challenging pre-season record of one win in eight friendly matches, did little to dampen the team's spirits. With a steadfast optimism, the squad looks forward to the challenges of the upcoming MLS season.
The team roster boasts talents like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, players with deep connections and successful histories with Messi from their time at FC Barcelona. Their collective experience at the highest levels of European football brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team, elevating Inter Miami’s status as a strong contender for the MLS title.
Looking Ahead
Inter Miami is set on a trajectory to vie for the top spot in the fiercely competitive MLS. With high-profile matches against teams like New York City FC and Atlanta United on the horizon, the squad faces a daunting task. Yet, the morale remains high, buoyed by sold-out tickets for the opening match and predictions placing Inter Miami third in the Eastern Conference standings, just behind last season's winner, Columbus Crew, who are predicted to finish fourth.
The MLS calendar stretches until October, with the MLS Cup Playoffs slated to begin in late October. The high stakes of the Conference Semifinals and Finals will unfold in November and early December, culminating in the MLS Cup final on December 7.
In a statement reflecting on his transfer, Luis Suarez encapsulated the dream that has gripped Inter Miami: "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."
As the anticipation for the new MLS season builds, all eyes will be on Inter Miami. With a roster studded with stars like Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets, the team harbors not just the ambition to make a mark on the league this year but also to reshape the narrative of soccer in America. It's a season poised on the edge of history, with endless possibilities awaiting.