The Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to kickoff on February 22, with Inter Miami welcoming Real Salt Lake at DRV PNK Stadium, marking the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying campaign. Inter Miami, a team that has experienced its share of ups and downs, is under the spotlight again, largely due to the presence of soccer luminary Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi: A New Chapter in American Soccer
Last season, Lionel Messi made headlines around the world by signing with Inter Miami, a move that not only elevated the team's status but also had a profound impact on the league as a whole. The Argentine superstar's debut was a landmark moment, signifying a potential turning point for soccer in the United States. Messi's presence in the MLS has not only led to a surge in ticket and jersey sales for Inter Miami but also bolstered Apple TV subscriptions, underscoring the vast appeal of having a player of his caliber in the league.
Inter Miami's Ambitions and New Signings
Despite finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference last season, their worst performance since 2020, Inter Miami has reasons to be optimistic about the future. The team's triumph in the Leagues Cup, securing the title by defeating Nashville SC on penalties, showcased their potential. With the aim of building a competitive squad around Messi, Inter Miami has made strategic signings, including Luis Suarez, Messi's close friend and former Barcelona teammate. The addition of Suarez, along with other key players such as Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, signals Inter Miami's ambition to contend for the MLS title this season.
The preseason has been a time for the team to gel, highlighted by a memorable match against Messi's boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys. Despite winning only one of their eight preseason friendlies, the mood in the camp is positive, with the team looking forward to the challenges of the regular season.
The Impact of Star Players
The signing of high-profile players like Messi and Suarez is not just a statement of intent from Inter Miami; it also raises the profile of the MLS as a whole. The presence of such players is a major draw for fans and can attract other top international talents to the league, enriching the quality of soccer played and viewed across the country.
A Competitive Season Ahead
Looking ahead to the 2024 MLS regular season, which runs until October, Inter Miami has a challenging path to navigate. With formidable opponents like New York City FC and Atlanta United on the horizon, the team will have to be at their best to achieve their aspirations. The sold-out opening match against Real Salt Lake sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season, with Inter Miami eagerly anticipated to finish third in the Eastern Conference, an impressive improvement on last year’s standing. Last season's champions, Columbus Crew, are predicted to finish just behind in fourth place.
The Road to the MLS Cup
The MLS Cup Playoffs, starting in late October, will be the ultimate test for Inter Miami and their star-studded lineup. The Conference Semifinals and Finals are scheduled for November and early December, leading up to the MLS Cup final on December 7. It is during these critical matches that the true mettle of the team will be revealed, as they strive to achieve their dream of winning the club’s first MLS title.
In reflecting on his move to Inter Miami, Luis Suarez expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, "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." This sentiment encapsulates the optimism and ambition that permeate through the team as they embark on their campaign, looking to rewrite the club’s history with sights set on loftier goals.
As the MLS season unfolds, all eyes will be on Inter Miami and their galaxy of stars, with the soccer world keen to witness how this ambitious project translates into success on the pitch. The potential impact on the league and American soccer, in general, could be momentous, making this one of the most eagerly anticipated seasons in recent memory.