Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Disappoint Fans in G2 Loss vs. Atlanta in MLS Cup Playoffs
Nov 3, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 02: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami dribbles the ball against Atlanta United during the first half of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
In a hard-fought battle featuring Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF, Atlanta United FC claimed a 2-1 victory with a dramatic extra-time goal, sealing the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and handing Miami a disappointing Game 2 loss in the MLS Eastern Conference Playoffs.
The 22-8-4 Miami team and the 10-10-14 Atlanta team are now knotted at 1-1 in the series thanks to a last minute goal by Atlanta's Xande Silva.
It wasn't until the 40th minute that either team found the net, with Miami striking first on a goal from David Martinez, assisted by Federico Redondo. Right after halftime, Atlanta responded with a goal from Derrick Williams, leveling the score at 1-1.
The score remained tied at the end of regulation, leading to four minutes of stoppage time. Right out of the gate, Atlanta's Silva found the net off an assist from Aleksey Miranchuk, securing the victory.
Despite Miami holding 58.6 percent possession, they managed only two shots on goal compared to Atlanta's four. Messi remains scoreless in his first MLS postseason games.
After the match, Miami fans took to social media to express their disappointment over the loss to the lower-ranked Atlanta team.
Very well deserved defeat. And if you ask me, Inter Miami doesn't deserve to make it to the semifinals. You can't play like that if you're aiming to win the cup. Messi was erratic at times, his teammates wasted a plethora of opportunities to seal the result. I'm disappointed.
Inter Miami is actually a mid team without Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba. It's crazy how Messi has been able to win two trophies with this team😓. I regret to say, but I don't see them progressing to the last 8 with this performance 🥲. pic.twitter.com/tTpby5Tb3Q
Miami and Atlanta will face off in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs next Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory in their postseason battle and move onto the quarterfinals.
Inter Miami HC: Neymar Move to Join Messi, Suárez 'Impossible' amid MLS Roster Rules
Nov 1, 2024
AL AIN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 21: Neymar of Al Hilal reacts after the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al Ain and Al-Hilal at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Despite rumors that Neymar is considering joining Lionel Messi in the MLS, Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino says he believes league salary restrictions will prevent his club from signing the Brazilian soccer star.
"With [Messi] and the boys already here, anything that can happen. What I can't imagine is if the league doesn't make the salary issue more flexible, how it would be carried out," Martino said on Friday, per ESPN's Lizzy Becherano.
Martino continued, per Becherano: "After writing it or saying it in the media it's all good, nothing happens, it doesn't have any consequences, but what would the implementation be like? And the reality is that if there is something that the MLS has, it is that the rules are strict and can't be broken, unless the MLS decides to change."
Neymar is signed with the Saudi Pro League's Al Hilal through 2025 on a contract reportedly worth $300 million. His current club paid a $100 million transfer fee to acquire his contract from Paris Saint-Germain. Rumors he is now considering a move to the MLS were sparked by his recent purchase of property in the Miami area.
Martino said that Neymar's decision to purchase property in the area was not enough to support the idea he might join Inter Miami.
"We cannot talk or mention a player because he bought a house here or has a girlfriend from Fort Lauderdale... First you have to analyze what the league offers and if this is really possible," Martino said. "Starting from that base, today this is impossible, so there is no more continuity in this conversation."
Martino previously coached Neymar during his tenure with FC Barcelona, where he also coached current Inter Miami players Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez.
Inter Miami currently has two designated players, Messi and Busquets, whose deals can exceed the MLS salary cap. The club used to have three designated players including Gregore, but following his transfer to the Brazilian league last February the team has opted for two DP spots this season.
Using two designated player slots instead of three allows Inter Miami to carry four under-22 players and gain about $550,000 in additional cap space, Paul Tenorio noted for The Athletic.
In order to add Neymar, Inter Miami would either need to convince him to sign at a discount or entirely reshape their roster in order to add a third designated player, Tenorio reported.
Messi, Alba and Busquets are reportedly still receiving wages from Barcelona, per Mundo Deportivo and Yahoo Sports, which may have made it easier for Alba and Busquets to take discounts in order to join Messi in Miami. For Neymar, whose current contract is set to expire in June 2025, that could be a harder sell.
Neymar returned to the pitch with Al Hilal after a year sidelined with an ACL injury in October. Brazil is "hopeful" that he will be available to play in World Cup qualifiers later this month, per ESPN's Adriana Garcia.
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Hailed By Fans After MLS Cup Playoff Win vs. Atlanta United
Oct 26, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 25: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts during the first half against the Atlanta United during round one of the 2024 MLS Playoffs at Chase Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi assisted on Jordi Alba's game-winning goal en route to Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Friday in the first game of the best-of-three first round.
Inter Miami outshot Atlanta United 22-8 (12-2 shots on goal). They also possessed the ball 65.7 percent of the match and had 12 corner kicks to Atlanta United's four.
But the match was tied at one entering halftime.
Luis Suárez got Inter Miami on the scoreboard first in the second minute.
Messi nearly put his team up 2-0 in the 29th minute but hit the post. The ball bounced to Marcelo Weigandt, who fired another shot. However, Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan was there for the tremendous save.
Great performance could have been 4 or 5-1 with Messi scoring at least 2 if not for Guzan unreal saves. Hard to celebrate though after Fray had a serious knee injury at the end and couldn’t put any weight on his knee. 4 ACLs in 4 years is just horrific
That's why he is the goat. What a performance. Huge credit to ex Aston Villa GK Guzan for keeping the scoreline respectable for his team and offcourse denying Messi from scoresheet. https://t.co/ARSpIh2Yq8
Inter Miami should've scored 4 goals tonight, but credit Atlanta. They did their best, making sure Messi didn't beat them. But Miami has multiple ways to beat you, and tonight, Jordi Alba delivered the dagger. Atlanta showed zero sense of urgency in the 2nd half #MLS
Atlanta United will now host Inter Miami for Game 2 on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. ET. An Inter Miami win sends the team into the Eastern Conference semifinals against the winner of the Orlando City SC vs. Charlotte FC series. A loss brings the series back to Miami for the third-and-final match on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Lionel Messi's MLS Compensation Exceeds 22 Team Payrolls in Latest League Salary Data
Oct 24, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 19: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami celebrates scoring his third goal during the second half against the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi's decision to come to the United States and play in Major League Soccer as arguably the greatest player in the sport's history gave the league quite the international headline and generated even more attention.
And he is getting paid accordingly.
ESPN's Jeff Carlisle cited the latest MLS player salary data that was released Thursday and noted the Inter Miami star's annual guaranteed compensation of $20.4 million is more than the payroll of 22 other teams in the league.
That $20.4 million total is just his salary, and Carlisle pointed out Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously said he is paid between $50 and $60 million in all with part of his compensation coming from the league's Apple TV deal.
Given Messi's contract and Sergio Busquets checking in as the league's third-highest paid player at $8.77 million, it comes at no surprise Inter Miami spent more than any other team in the league.
And the gap wasn't even close, as its $41.7 million was nearly $10 million ahead of Toronto FC and more than double the amount spent by 23 different teams in the league.
Here are the 10 teams that spent the most money this season:
Inter Miami - $41.7 million
Toronto FC - $31.81 million
LAFC - $22.08 million
LA Galaxy - $21.96 million
Nashville SC - $21.86 million
FC Cincinnati - $20.95 million
Houston Dynamo - $20.52 million
New England Revolution - $18.88 million
New York Red Bulls - $18.08 million
Austin FC - $17.60 million
While Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield with an MLS-record 74 points this season, not every team that spent a significant amount of money even made the playoffs. Toronto FC, Nashville SC, New England Revolution and Austin FC didn't make the field despite being in the top 10 in money spent.
All of them spent more than the Columbus Crew, who are the defending MLS Cup champions and arguably Inter Miami's biggest threat in the upcoming playoffs. They checked in at 16th with $16.57 million in total spent but finished with the second-most points in the league with 66.
They also defeated Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup on the way to the title in that in-season tournament and could face Messi and Co. in a rematch in the Eastern Conference Final.
Of course, defeating Inter Miami will be much easier said than done in the playoffs, as teams will have to figure out a way to counter Messi. He is right in the middle of the MVP race despite playing in just 19 of his team's 34 regular-season games and finished with a head-turning 20 goals and 16 assists.
He already helped his club take home the Supporters' Shield and will now look to win the MLS Cup and further deliver on his notable contract.
Lionel Messi, Bad Bunny Reveal New Adidas Cleats in Video, Photos Before MLS Playoffs
Oct 21, 2024
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi collaborated with recording artist Bad Bunny for a new Adidas line.
The Bad Bunny & Messi Collection boasts exclusive designs for Adidas' Gazelle sneaker and F50 cleat.
Para ustedes ✍️🇵🇷🇦🇷💌⁰Benito y Messi juntos por primera vez, unidos por el sentimiento que inspiran en millones de personas.
For you ✍️🇵🇷🇦🇷💌 Benito and Messi together for the first time, united by the feeling they inspire in millions of people. pic.twitter.com/Is0wCWt8iR
"For me, and I suppose also for Bad Bunny, the Latin community has enormous importance in our lives," Messi said to ESPN's Luis Miguel Echegaray. "A large part of our fans are Latino, and there is a bond of language, culture and society that is very special. Now, living in Miami with my family, we are more aware of those ties that unite us as Latinos."
Lionel Messi spoke about his impact and ties to the Latin American community following his collaboration with Bad Bunny ❤️
The collab arrives as Messi and Inter Miami are preparing for the MLS playoffs.
The club claimed the regular season Supporters' Shield with 74 points from 34 matches. It awaits either CF Montréal or Atlanta United in the best-of-three first round.
Messi, meanwhile, cemented himself as the MVP favorite despite only logging 19 appearances. He had 20 goals and 16 assists, which were each were tied for the second-most in their respective categories.
The 37-year-old capped off the regular season in style as well, notching a hat trick in Inter Miami's 6-2 victory over the New England Revolution.
Messi told Echegaray he hopes Miami advances "very far" in the postseason.
"The playoffs have just begun and the truth is that we are excited to continue winning titles and achieving objectives," he said. "We know it's not going to be easy. There are many teams that fight all season to achieve their goals, and now the most important part begins, where it is win or go out. I think they are going to be very even playoffs, and the details are going to define many games."
Messi arrived with sky-high expectations despite being into the twilight of his playing career. On and off the pitch, he has more than delivered for MLS.
Lionel Messi Among 2024 MLS MVP Award Nominees; Inter Miami Won Supporters' Shield
Oct 7, 2024
COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 02: Lionel Messi #10 and Luis Suarez #9 of Inter Miami CF celebrate a goal in the second half against the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field on October 02, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is among the 34 nominees for MLS's MVP award for the 2024 season.
Teammate Luis Suárez also made the cut as Miami claimed the Supporters' Shield with 71 points through 33 matches.
Voting for the league's annual awards is split evenly between players, coaches and select members of the media.
While Messi is far and away the biggest star—and perhaps even the brightest talent even at 37—his MVP candidacy is undercut by the fact he appeared in just 18 MLS matches this season. He had an eye-popping 17 goals and 15 assists in those fixtures, but missing almost half of your team's games is tough to overcome from an awards perspective.
Yahoo Sports' Henry Bushnell nonetheless made the argument for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Beyond the impact he had directly on the pitch, his presence transformed the image of Inter Miami and made the club attractive to other stars such as Suárez and a coach as experienced as Gerardo Martino. Remove Messi from the equation and there's no way Miami goes from 34 points and a 27th-place finish to the Supporters Shield in just one season.
Bushnell argued Messi's "god-like stature made Inter Miami a destination for players whom most MLS clubs couldn't attract or afford."
Riqui Puig had 13 goals and 15 assists with the Los Angeles Galaxy, who secured the top seed in the Western Conference. Cucho Hernández's 19 goals are tied for second-most in the league and he was the attacking fulcrum for the Columbus Crew. Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga matched Cucho's 19 goals, and that accounts for a third of his club's total output.
Messi has the stats to line up favorably against any other MVP contender and made a much larger impact on a per-match basis. Combine that with Miami's collective success and he's probably the heavy favorite at this stage.
Lionel Messi Could Make MLS Return from Ankle Injury for Inter Miami vs. Union
Sep 13, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JULY 17: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on prior to a game against Toronto FC at Chase Stadium on July 17, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Inter Miami could have Lionel Messi back for the first time since June 1 when they take the pitch for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Union
Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino told reporters Friday that Messi is no longer on a minutes restriction from his ankle injury and may make an appearance in the upcoming contest.
This is Messi's second season with the MLS team, and he started in brilliant form before his injury with 12 goals and 13 assists across 12 games played. Despite missing so much time, he is still third in the league in assists and tied for 13th in goals.
Had he stayed healthy, he may have cruised to the league MVP award.
That is no surprise, as he is arguably the greatest soccer player in history. The injury came as he was adding another trophy to his resume in the final of the 2024 Copa América when his Argentina side defeated Colombia.
While he helped lead Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup title in 2023, he is still missing an MLS Cup from that resume. The side did not make the playoffs last season with Messi joining late but is in an ideal position to win the title this year even with the star's absence.
The Herons sit atop the Eastern Conference table with 18 wins, five draws and four losses. Their 59 points are well ahead of the top challengers in FC Cincinnati (51 points in 27 games) and the Columbus Crew (49 points in 26 games) and will position Messi and Co. with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs if things don't change.
Earning that No. 1 seed in the East is all the more important given the presence of the three championship contenders. FC Cincinnati won last year's Supporters' Shield and reached the Eastern Conference Final, while the Crew are the reigning champions and have the opportunity to move into the No. 2 seed with a head-to-head win over their rival Saturday.
If Inter Miami can stay locked in the No. 1 seed, it won't have to worry about a hypothetical matchup against either Ohio team until the Eastern Conference Final.
And Messi figures to be in excellent form by then if he is returning to the field as soon as Saturday.
Photo: Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Reveals Renderings of New Stadium to Open in 2026
Sep 4, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JULY 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF and co-owner David Beckham look on as fans take photos during the second half of the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Inter Miami CF is coming to, well, Miami in 2026.
The MLS club, which currently plays at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, announced Wednesday that it will move to Miami Freedom Park in the city starting with the 2026 season:
Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald noted the club's ownership, which includes soccer legend David Beckham, has been working toward securing a permanent stadium in Miami since its inaugural season in 2020.
"After years of dreaming, it is so exciting to be sharing that in 2026 Inter Miami will be moving to its long-term home at Miami Freedom Park," Beckham said. "Miami Freedom Park is the culmination of years of hard work and a desire to realize a vision and create a lasting legacy for the fans and the community of Miami and South Florida. I'm so happy to see that dream finally coming to life."
The 26,700-seat stadium will be part of a larger development that will feature a public park, entertainment venues, restaurants and hotels. The 2026 opening date is also surely not a coincidence, as it matches up with the United States being one of the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Inter Miami is one of the headline teams in the MLS in large part because of the presence of arguably the greatest soccer player of all time in Lionel Messi. They are in first place in the MLS standings this season and will look to add an MLS Cup to their trophy case that includes last season's Leagues Cup title.
It remains to be seen whether the 37-year-old Messi will still be suiting up for Inter Miami when the new stadium opens in 2026, but he has kept the organization in the spotlight and surely played a factor in ownership being able to secure its desired location.
For now, the club is focused on pursuing a title this season and will return to the field Saturday to take on the Philadelphia Union.
Lionel Messi to Return from Ankle Injury Before MLS Playoffs, Inter Miami Coach Says
Aug 23, 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JUNE 01: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami controls the ball during the second half of the game against St. Louis City at Chase Stadium on June 01, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino says that Lionel Messi will return from injury before the MLS playoffs, according to ESPN's Lizzy Becherano.
"The work is planned by the medical part with the physical trainers. But yes, he returns before the end of the regular season," Martino said, per Becherano.
The MLS regular season will end with Decision Day on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Messi has not played since suffering an ankle ligament injury on July 14 while playing for Argentina in the Copa América final.
Playoffs are then set to begin with knockout wild card matches on Wednesday, Oct. 23, followed by the best-of-three first-round series on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Inter Miami could clinch a playoff berth this weekend in several different scenarios, including a win on Saturday against FC Cincinnati.
Martino told reporters there is not yet a specific timetable for Messi's return, and that it was "foreseeable" that Messi would not be in Argentina's squad for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Messi was left out of the group that will face Chile and Colombia.
"He is not training with the group. But yes, he is already out on the field and working with the physical trainers," Martino said. "He is developing well... There is no estimate, because you are already starting to see how you feel as you add training on the field."
For now, Martino confirmed that Messi will sit out Saturday's contest against FC Cincinnati, per Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald.
The next date Messi could potentially return is a road game against the Chicago Fire on Aug. 31. The Fire has been anticipating the Miami star's potential absence since July, when the team offered fans discounts on future matches if Messi is unable to play.
Messi has played in 12 games for Inter Miami this season, recording 12 goals and 13 assists to set an MLS record as the fastest player in league history to 25 career goals.
Although the Argentinian soccer star has missed 13 of Inter Miami's 25 league games so far this season, a strong defense has helped Inter Miami achieve an MLS-best 16-5-4 record. The return of Messi before the end of the regular season could make the club a title favorite heading into the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
