Despite a season filled with unprecedented hype and record-breaking achievements, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami find themselves facing an unexpectedly early end to their 2024 campaign. The star-studded squad fell 3-2 to Atlanta United FC in a decisive Round 1 playoff match on Saturday night, abruptly halting their once seemingly unstoppable momentum.
The Argentine superstar, who took Major League Soccer by storm upon his midseason arrival, remained characteristically philosophical in the face of defeat. In an Instagram post following the match, Messi pledged, “A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and, although we achieved some goals, we wanted more. Thanks to all the people who joined and supported us. Now let’s get ready to come back stronger next year.”
A Season of Superlatives Cut Short
Messi’s debut with Inter Miami in July 2024 marked a seismic shift in the landscape of American soccer. His mere presence elevated the club’s global profile to unprecedented heights, while his on-field contributions bordered on the supernatural.
The diminutive dynamo concluded the regular season with an astonishing 20 goals and 16 assists in a mere 19 appearances. His impact propelled Inter Miami to clinch the coveted Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. Along the way, the Herons set a new MLS benchmark for most points accumulated in a single campaign.
Messi’s arrival was a dream come true for Inter Miami fans, who watched in awe as he rewrote the club’s record books and redefined what seemed possible in MLS.
An Inter Miami insider
Martino: Messi’s MLS Future Still Bright
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who has overseen the club’s meteoric rise, remains optimistic about Messi’s future in South Florida. When asked about the longevity of the superstar’s MLS tenure, Martino mused, “I actually don’t know how limited [Messi’s time in this league] is. There is a question of time passing, but I would not dare to say that it is so short.”
With Messi under contract through the 2025 season, Inter Miami fans can take solace in the likelihood of his return for at least one more campaign. The club’s focus now shifts to fortifying the roster around their talisman during the lengthy offseason.
A Crowded Calendar Awaits
Looking ahead to 2025, Inter Miami will need to navigate a congested schedule that includes not only their regular-season obligations but a slew of high-profile tournaments:
- Concacaf Champions Cup
- Leagues Cup
- Club World Cup
The Herons earned a coveted spot in the expanded Club World Cup by virtue of winning the Supporters’ Shield, joining the Seattle Sounders as MLS representatives in the prestigious global showcase. Concacaf was granted an extra berth in recognition of the United States serving as the tournament’s host nation.
The Club World Cup draw, slated for December 5th in Miami, will see Inter Miami learn their fate as they prepare to clash with the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid on the international stage. While the challenge appears daunting, Messi’s mere presence lends an air of credibility to the upstart club’s lofty ambitions.
A Bitter Pill to Swallow
For now, though, the sting of Saturday’s premature postseason exit will linger. The club that rewrote the MLS history books must now grapple with the realization that their on-field product failed to match the immensity of the hype surrounding it.
As the Inter Miami faithful bid farewell to a season that promised so much yet ended in heartbreak, they can take comfort in the words of their legendary number 10. Messi’s vow to “come back stronger” offers a beacon of hope amid the disappointment, a tantalizing glimpse of the redemption that may lie ahead. The soccer world will be watching with bated breath to see if he can make good on that promise.
