On July 15, 2023, Lionel Messi completed his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami. This shocking move snowballed into more influential transfers, as well as success. In only a month, Messi has brought David Beckham’s team from the deepest valley to the highest mountain.
Lionel Messi
Everybody knows who Lionel Messi is, whether or not they like soccer. Spending many years at Barcelona, Messi accumulated six ballon d’or’s, four champions league trophies, and ten league titles. After seventeen seasons with Barcelona, the Argentinian made the first move of his career. In the summer of 2021, the prolific forward moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. While at Paris, Messi would continue his dominance alongside the young superstar Kylian Mbappe. In his two years there, Messi collected another two league titles and one more ballon d’or. Furthermore, during this past winter Messi finally won the World Cup supplying Argentina with a brace in the final. Throughout all these years, Messi has proven his winning pedigree and elite ability.
With a resume that challenges for G.O.A.T. status, it is no wonder Inter Miami wanted him. After agreeing to terms with his new squad, Messi made his debut on August 2nd in the Leagues Cup. In his debut he provided a brace to defeat Orlando City 3-1. Throughout the knockout stage, the Argentinian provided a goal in each match to lead his team to the final. In the final, Messi provided one more goal and scored in the penalty shootout to lift the Leagues Cup. He has immediately impacted Miami’s season by bringing them a trophy despite being last in the MLS.
Getting the Band Back Together
Not only did Messi bring his talents to Miami, but some teammates of the past did too. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba quickly announced their moves to the American side following Messi’s move. The three of them were all teammates at Barcelona from Alba’s arrival in 2012 to Messi’s departure in 2021. Now they have reunited to produce a threat that all opponents are afraid of.
Sergio Busquets, a 35 year old midfielder, has yet to record a goal or assist for Miami. Beyond what is on paper, his play on the pitch has shown he can easily command a game and create chances. Aside from his offensive prowess, he has been stopping attacks and quickly moving the ball the other direction. His connection with Messi allows them to create beautiful plays that will continually provide Miami chances down the line.
Jordi Alba, a 34 year old left back, provided two assists in his debut as a starter. In the semifinal against Philadelphia Union, Alba scored his first goal for Miami. His ability to control the left side up and down the pitch provides another addition to Miami’s attack. Similar to Busquets, Alba’s connection with Messi will provide the opposition a tough time. Finally, having experience leading the Spain national team, the spaniard will be able to help coach the youth at Inter Miami.
MLS Season
Now that the Leagues Cup has come to an end, it is time for Messi to make his MLS debut. Unlike the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami has a hole to dig themselves out of. Miami currently sits fourteen points out of a playoff spot with twelve games to go. The cards are stacked against them, but with the way they have been trending nothing is out of the realm of possibility, especially with Messi.
Miami’s next MLS game is Saturday, August 26th at 7:30 PM EST. They are on the road against the New York Red Bulls, 11th in the Eastern Conference.
U.S. Open Cup
Inter Miami will also be looking to lift a trophy in the U.S. Open Cup. On Wednesday, August 23 they face FC Cincinnati in the semi final. If they win, they will play the winner of Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake for the title. Miami is on their way up, and the addition of Messi can take them to the next level, if it hasn’t already.