Inter Miami

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Lionel Messi a Doubt to Make MLS Debut for Inter Miami, Gerardo Martino Says

Aug 25, 2023
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF) in action during the semifinal of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup 2023. Inter Miami CF went on to beat FC Cincinnati on penalties at the TQL Stadium on August 23rd, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio USA. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF) in action during the semifinal of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup 2023. Inter Miami CF went on to beat FC Cincinnati on penalties at the TQL Stadium on August 23rd, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio USA. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)

After playing eight matches in 33 days for Inter Miami, Lionel Messi might not be available to make his MLS debut Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.

Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino said the team would evaluate Messi's status following Friday's training, per ESPN's Ross Devonport.

"It is inevitable that we will not have him at some point," Martino said.

Messi has played six straight full games for Inter Miami, including 120 minutes Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. The former Barcelona superstar has yet to rest since joining Inter Miami.

Following the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup, this weekend's contest against the Red Bulls marks Inter Miami's first MLS game in more than a month.

Messi has recorded 10 goals and six assists in eight games and 684 minutes with Inter Miami. He was a critical part both of the team's Leagues Cup win and their trip to the U.S. Open finals.

Having him available for every minute of every contest is not something that can continue indefinitely. Messi was visibly exhausted at points of Wednesday's U.S. Open win over FC Cincinnati.

Martino said that Messi resting for either a full game or part of a game would happen "at least three times this year, and next year more."

"We will have to find a solution," Martino said.

That answer will have to overlook the fact that Inter Miami is set to rake in the most revenue in MLS history due to the hype surrounding watching an international superstar play stateside.

"I understand the expectations the rest of the world has to watch him, and that is undeniable," Martino said. "But I cannot act based on that, because then I would risk doing things wrong."

Choosing when to rest Messi will be a tricky decision for Martino. In addition to the U.S. Open Cup Final, which is set to take place against the Houston Dynamo on September 27, Inter Miami has just 11 regular-season games remaining to climb out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

It is likely the team will need to claim victory in most of those remaining games to have a shot at the postseason.

Messi will almost certainly be making his regular-season MLS debut this upcoming month as Inter Miami makes this late playoff push. Whether or not that debut will happen Saturday remains to be seen.

Lionel Messi's 2 Assists Dazzle Fans in Inter Miami's Comeback Win vs. FC Cincinnati

Aug 24, 2023
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on against the FC Cincinnati during the first half in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup semifinal match at TQL Stadium on August 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on against the FC Cincinnati during the first half in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup semifinal match at TQL Stadium on August 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi's unbeaten run with Inter Miami looked like it was on the verge of coming to an end on Wednesday, but some more late-game magic helped them overcome a two-goal deficit and earn a win over FC Cincinnati in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. Both teams played to a 3-3 tie before Inter Miami won 5-4 on penalty kicks.

Messi was completely shut down by FC Cincinnati early, failing to register a shot in the entire game. However, he found other ways to impact the game, recording an assist on a free kick that was put in by Leonardo Campana in the 68th minute and another dazzling pass to Campano in stoppage time to send the game into extra time.

In the 93rd minute, Josef Martinez put in what seemed like it could be the game-winner off an assist by Benjamin Cremaschi. FC Cincinnati tied things up with a goal by Yuya Kubo in the 114th minute.

Messi had a free kick that was saved in the 119th minute, and things were sent to penalty kicks. He went first for Inter Miami and easily put in his PK. Both teams converted their first four attempts before Drake Callender saved FC Cincinnati's fifth attempt. Cremaschi broke the stalemate and pushed Inter Miami over the top.

Fans online were hoping until the final whistle for some Messi magic, and their wish was granted with his stellar plays that led to the Inter Miami victory:

https://twitter.com/tsnmknd/status/1694517269055860886
https://twitter.com/bernardooooV3/status/1694524356012224605

Messi and Inter Miami will face the winner of Wednesday night's matchup between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake in the Open Cup Final on Sept. 27. They will be back in MLS action on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.

Lionel Messi Scores, Wins 1st Inter Miami Trophy in Leagues Cup vs. Nashville SC

Aug 20, 2023
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 19: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) leaps in celebration after scoring the opening goal during the Leagues Cup Final match between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at GEODIS Park in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 19: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) leaps in celebration after scoring the opening goal during the Leagues Cup Final match between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at GEODIS Park in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

There is nothing Lionel Messi can't do.

The Argentinian phenom helped lead Inter Miami to a victory over Nashville SC in the 2023 Leagues Cup Final to claim his first trophy with the club and his first in the United States.

Inter Miami defeated Nashville 10-9 on penalty kicks in the final of the 47-team tournament that featured clubs from Major League Soccer and Mexico's LigaMX.

The penalty shootout was secured by Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender's two saves on Nashville midfielder Randall Leal and goalkeeper Elliot Panicco.

Messi opened the scoring in the Leagues Cup Final on perhaps the most dazzling goal of his Major League Soccer career to date. The 36-year-old dribbled past Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman and drilled a shot into the top left corner of the goal for a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute.

It marked Messi's 10th goal in seven games since joining Inter Miami last month following a stint with Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain.

Nashville tied the game in the 57th minute when Fafà Picault scored off a corner kick.

This marks the first-ever trophy for David Beckham's Inter Miami, which began play during the 2020 season as an MLS expansion franchise. It also marks the 44th trophy of Messi's career, making him the most decorated footballer of all time.

Inter Miami was struggling this season prior to the additions of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The team currently sits last in the MLS standings with a 5-3-14 record, but there's still plenty of time for them to turn things around.

Messi and Inter Miami will be back in action on Wednesday against Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup.

Lionel Messi: MLS 'Has Every Opportunity' to Grow to Level of Top European Leagues

Aug 18, 2023
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 17: Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF speaks during a news conference at DRV PNK Stadium on August 17, 2023 in Florida, USA. (Photo by Marco Bello/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 17: Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF speaks during a news conference at DRV PNK Stadium on August 17, 2023 in Florida, USA. (Photo by Marco Bello/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Having now gained some firsthand experience in MLS, Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is confident the league can bridge the gap on the top competitions in Europe.

"I think it has every opportunity to do so," he said to ESPN's Luis Miguel Echegaray. "That growth depends a lot on the league. It's an ideal moment to grow. There are important competitions upcoming that will be played in this country [2024 Copa America, 2026 FIFA World Cup].

"It's time for the league to make that leap and finish growing, finish looking for what it's been seeking for a while. Everything is in place here to witness top-level football because of the country, the structure, a bunch of things."

American soccer fans have heard this before.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in 2015 he was confident that "people will think of us like Serie A, La Liga" within 10 years. Five years later, MLS was 10 years away from reaching that goal in the eyes of David Beckham.

The trouble for MLS and any other league looking to disrupt the status quo is that they're multiple generations behind the English Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga, the Bundesliga and others in Europe.

Whether it was Colombia in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the first iteration of the NASL, the explosion of the Chinese Super League or most recently the rise of Saudi Arabia, there have been many attempts to shake up world football throughout history. And the sport ultimately returns to the same place every time, though it's too early to tell regarding the Saudi experiment.

The best players in the world want to test themselves on the biggest stage, and they simply can't get that outside of Europe.

Having said that, MLS is probably better positioned to achieve its long-term objectives than it ever has been. There's no question the quality of the league has improved, and that trend isn't going to change when MLS is generating more revenue than ever. Messi's arrival has only furthered the process, and his continued presence — as a player and eventually a team owner — is bound to pay massive dividends.

In another decade, MLS likely won't rival its European peers in terms of prestige, but it might have succeeded in poaching more elite talent while better showcasing the most promising American stars.

Lionel Messi Talks MLS Transfer, Leagues Cup Final, More in 1st Inter Miami Presser

Aug 17, 2023
Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi holds his jersey during a press conference at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on August 17, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi holds his jersey during a press conference at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on August 17, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi spoke to reporters in his first press conference since joining Inter Miami, and one theme ran throughout—the Argentine superstar is happy with the decision he made to come to the United States.

"From the beginning, my welcoming was incredible," he told reporters. "It's a city full of Latinos and it makes everything much easier. Latinos make me feel welcome, loved. It's the most important and healthy part of what makes you enjoy what you do."

Messi has helped Inter Miami undergo a magical run to the Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC, with nine goals in six games. And he sees big things in the club's future.

"It would be incredible for me, for our fans, for the club that have invested in growth and making a big change in become a powerhouse team," he told reporters. "Winning titles helps a lot. The stadium has always been full. It's a young team and getting our first title would be wonderful."

While Messi seems happy in Miami, that perhaps wasn't the case in his prior destination, and he told reporters he never wanted to join his previous club, Paris Saint-Germain:

Given that he was visibly emotional when his Barcelona departure was officially announced, that doesn't come as the biggest surprise. Still a tough pill for PSG supporters to swallow, however.

His 16 goals and 16 assists in Ligue 1 play last season are among his credentials for the upcoming Ballon d'Or. The 36-year-old, who led Argentina to a World Cup triumph last year, is among the favorites for the prestigious award, one he's already won a record seven times.

But Messi isn't particularly worried about claiming his eighth.

"The Ballon d'Or is an incredible achievement," he told reporters. "But I never gave it that importance. I always gave more weight to the collective trophies. Since the World Cup, I've been thinking much less about the Ballon d'Or. Honestly I'm not thinking about it."

When you're Messi, such iconic honors are boring. He's achieved everything the sport has to offer, after all. He needs a new challenge, but not even the infamous Florida humidity is bothering the G.O.A.T. all that much:

To borrow one of the Internet's favorite phrases, the former Barcelona and PSG superstar is just built different. And since his arrival, Inter Miami look like an entirely different club. The Messi effect is real, and it's spectacular.

Lionel Messi's Brilliance Thrills Fans as Inter Miami Beats Philadelphia Union

Aug 16, 2023
El argentino Lionel Messi, del Inter Miami, festeja tras anotar ante el Union de Filadelfia en las semifinales de la Leagues Cup, el martes 15 de agosto de 2023 (AP Foto/Chris Szagola)
El argentino Lionel Messi, del Inter Miami, festeja tras anotar ante el Union de Filadelfia en las semifinales de la Leagues Cup, el martes 15 de agosto de 2023 (AP Foto/Chris Szagola)

The Lionel Messi takeover continues.

The Argentine superstar continued his magical run in the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami, leading the club to a 4-1 semifinal win over powerhouse Philadelphia Union on Tuesday.

Messi scored a brilliant goal in the contest, while Josef Martínez, Jordi Alba and David Ruiz adding tallies.

Alejandro Bedoya scored the lone goal for Philly.

Before Messi's arrival in the United States, a 4-1 scoreline in this contest wouldn't have raised many eyebrows, though the expectation would have certainly been a Union win. Philly, after all, has the fourth-most points in MLS (40) this season, while Miami has the fewest (18).

But Messi is a tide that raises all ships, and the reaction from soccer fans and pundits alike was astonishment yet again at his utter dominance for Inter Miami:

You could argue that Messi didn't have the biggest fingerprint on this particular game, but it's hard to ignore the gravity he holds out on the pitch. Defenders need to know where he is at all times, and he simply creates time and space for his teammates.

His playmaking and ability to join the build-up play as a facilitator means he's always a threat. His presence means Miami is always just one pass, or one marauding run, away from putting the ball in the net.

It helped that Miami were incredibly clinical. They only have five shots in the game, but four were goals. Philly, meanwhile, put up 16 shots but only managed to get four on frame. Miami won the possession battle (53 percent), while the Union held an 8-0 advantage in corner kicks.

But once the game opened up and Miami got moving on the counter, it was lights out. Messi and Co. were simply too clinical in the space afforded to them. The Cinderella story is now heading to the Leagues Cup final, where either Monterrey or Nashville awaits.

Not many will be betting against Inter Miami in that contest. To the team with Messi go the spoils.

Lionel Messi's Transfer to MLS, Inter Miami Will Be Featured in Apple TV+ Series

Aug 14, 2023
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal in the second half during the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinals match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal in the second half during the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinals match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Apple TV+ will feature Lionel Messi's journey to Inter Miami in an unnamed documentary series, according to Ben Burrows of The Athletic.

Per that report, "The newly announced series promises 'unprecedented access' to take viewers behind the scenes of Messi's arrival in Miami."

Apple is the official broadcast partner of Major League Soccer and Messi is the biggest star to ever grace the sport, so a documentary about his arrival in Miami on Apple TV+ was inevitable.

Messi has been superb since joining the club, with eight goals and an assist in just four Leagues Cup games. Inter Miami will face a tough test in the Leagues Cup semifinals, with the Philadelphia Union looming on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi's Continued Brilliance Awes Twitter as Inter Miami Beat Charlotte FC

Aug 12, 2023
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, right, dribbles the ball in front of Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, right, dribbles the ball in front of Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)

It's Lionel Messi versus the rest of the Leagues Cup.

Messi scored the eighth goal of his Inter Miami career Friday night to polish off a 4-0 quarterfinals win over Charlotte FC.

The former FC Barcelona legend has now scored in each of his first five matches for Inter Miami.

The goal resulted in excitement from viewers on Twitter, who at this point look forward to similar feats from Messi during every Inter Miami game.

https://twitter.com/Bitesizefootba1/status/1690191941277724672
https://twitter.com/MonkeysGodd/status/1690193274537918464

Messi was also involved in the play leading to the Charlotte own goal that gave Inter Miami a three-goal lead.

https://twitter.com/agueroooball/status/1690186523894050817

Inter Miami is now headed to the Leagues Cup semifinals, which is good news for fans excited to watch Messi's continued dominance in the United States.

Lionel Messi's MLS Debut Delayed as Miami vs. Charlotte Postponed Due to Leagues Cup

Aug 9, 2023
FRISCO, TEXAS - AUGUST 6: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring the first penalty kick during the round of 16 Leagues Cup football match between Inter Miami CF and FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
FRISCO, TEXAS - AUGUST 6: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring the first penalty kick during the round of 16 Leagues Cup football match between Inter Miami CF and FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi's MLS debut will have to wait.

Inter Miami's Aug. 20 home contest against Charlotte FC has been postponed to a later date due to both clubs advancing in the Leagues Cup and facing one another on Friday, per ESPN.

Because of that matchup, one of the clubs is guaranteed to be playing on Aug. 19 in either the Leagues Cup final or third-place match.

That means Messi's highly-anticipated MLS debut will likely be Aug. 26 against the New York Red Bulls. He's expected to dominate the league in the same manner he's dominated the Leagues Cup, which has seen him score seven goals in four games and lead Inter Miami to four straight wins.

Lionel Messi's Updated Stats, Highlights Since Joining Miami After Epic Win vs. DAL

Aug 7, 2023
FRISCO, TEXAS - AUGUST 6: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring the first penalty kick during the round of 16 Leagues Cup football match between Inter Miami CF and FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
FRISCO, TEXAS - AUGUST 6: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring the first penalty kick during the round of 16 Leagues Cup football match between Inter Miami CF and FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on August 6, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi is loving life in MLS.

Inter Miami beat FC Dallas on penalties on Sunday in the Leagues Cup after the teams were deadlocked at 4-4 through regulation.

Messi accounted for two of Miami's goals, scoring the opener in the sixth minute and delivering the equalizer in the 85th.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner also converted his club's first penalty in the shootout. Miami found the back of the net on all five of its tries, with Benjamin Cremaschi dealing the decisive blow.

Messi has yet to make his official MLS debut, with all four of his appearances so far coming in the Leagues Cup. His production to date is eye-popping.

With a bevy of celebrities on hand for the occasion, the 36-year-old came on as a substitute against Cruz Azul on July 21 and promptly scored the winner on a free kick in second-half injury time.

He has since added six more goals and one assist to his overall account.

Inter Miami might be last in the Eastern Conference, but they have quickly catapulted themselves to the top of the Leagues Cup title race. The Herons will be back in action Friday in the quarterfinals as they await either Charlotte FC or Houston Dynamo FC.

Messi is on track to make his maiden voyage in MLS on Aug. 20 against Charlotte.

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