At 37, Messi was linked with a return to Barcelona – where he spent 17 seasons – and also had offers from Saudi Arabia after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended. However, Messi chose a new adventure in South Florida, and the move has paid off both on and off the pitch.

Despite an injury-plagued first season, superstar Messi still played an important role in helping Inter Miami win the Supporters’ Shield (best team in the Eastern Conference), the second title in the club’s history, after helping the team win the 2023 Leagues Cup right after joining.

Messi’s presence has caused the number of spectators to come to the stadium to skyrocket, especially in the matches in which he participates, thereby significantly increasing the reputation and attractiveness of the MLS tournament. On the contrary, spectators do not want to come to the stadium if superstar Messi cannot participate in the match for some reason.

Messi fans are huge in Miami. Photo: GETTY.

The new head coach of the US national team, Pochettino, spoke about Messi’s influence, when he told CNN Espanol: “The impact of Messi is immeasurable because it’s extraordinary. His charisma is not only with the fans but with everything. He has the ability to inspire people, and the whole structure around him. And the biggest impact is when Messi plays alongside players, especially those in MLS.

“The fact that Messi’s peers say ‘we are competing with the best player in the world’ is something that gives them great opportunities to develop themselves. I think this is an impact that is difficult to measure right now, it is too big to measure right now, but it will definitely have an impact not only in the present but also in the long term.”

The latest title that superstar Messi won with Inter Miami is the 46th major reward of his illustrious career, right after the 45th title with the Argentina team at the 2024 Copa America in July.

The Argentine striker always causes a stir on the football field. Photo: GETTY.

Lionel Messi has made a strong start to his first full season with Inter Miami despite missing two months of international duty and a subsequent ankle injury. In 18 MLS games, he has scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists. In particular, superstar Messi scored twice, including a stunning free-kick, in a 3-2 win over Columbus, helping Inter Miami win their first Supporters’ Shield trophy.

In addition, Messi also scored two goals and had two assists in three matches at the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where coach Tata Martino’s team lost 2-5 on aggregate to Monterrey in the quarter-finals.