Lionel Messi made a decision on the next chapter of his professional career in his final season at PSG, and it was quite the shocker for many. Yet another one of the greatest footballers in the world would be making his way to the Major League Soccer, an indication that Messi intended to see out the rest of his career in the Americas.
David Beckham’s struggling Inter Miami couldn't have struck a better bargain for a free agent, as Messi seemed eager to put a lackluster PSG experience and the pressure of playing in Europe behind him. As we have all witnessed, it has turned out rather splendidly for either side.
Hit the ground running
Messi’s arrival came with the expected social boost for Inter Miami. A seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup winner, Messi was easily one of the most marketable players at the time.
But growing the fanbase wasn't all the Argentine talisman’s presence influenced. Scarcely a month after adding Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba to their number, Inter Miami would lift their first-ever trophy since joining the MLS in 2018. The 20th-placed club went on a winning streak to clinch the 2023 Leagues Cup, defeating Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in the finals.
Even though they lost the US Open Cup only days later, the Messi effect was already switching up the atmosphere–Inter Miami fans could hope for even better days to come.
Better days…and Luis Suarez!
Inter Miami rounded up their MLS outing in October, losing their final game to FC Cincinnati. There was a lot of friendly action before the league resumed in February, but the highlight was getting Luis Suárez’s signature in December.
The Uruguayan needed little motivation to make the call; he was in for a reunion with some of his favourite teammates, and he wasn't about to pass it up. Suarez signed a one-year contract, with an option to extend by another year.
MLS 2024
The big name signings, together with Leonardo Campana and Federico Redondo, were probably the mix Inter Miami needed to crack their MLS trophy breakthrough. The club seemed a different side in 2024, winning games on the bounce, thanks to flowing team moves that often ended at Messi or Suarez's feet.
The Argentine suffered extended injuries during the year, and Suarez's resilience was as instrumental to the club's success in 2024 as Messi's clutch inputs. Inter Miami earned a spot in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup after winning the Leagues Cup in 2023, although they got knocked out by Liga MX’s Monterrey in the quarter-finals, losing 5-2 on aggregate.
They also crashed out of the 2024 Leagues Cup, losing 3-2 to eventual winners Columbus Crew. With options for silverware dwindling, Inter Miami focused on maintaining their lead on the Eastern Conference as well as joint MLS league standings.
2024 MLS Supporters Shield winners
Locking in paid off for the Herons too, as they have been crowned MLS Supporters Shield champions with two games to spare. Messi’s brace and Suarez's header were enough to hand Inter Miami the win over Columbus Crew, even though they were lucky to have Cucho Hernández lose his second penalty.
Inter Miami clinched the title for the first time, as they are seven points clear of LA Galaxy–who are in first place in the Western Conference–and 11 points clear of Columbus Crew, who are in second place in the Eastern Conference. So far, DC United and LA Galaxy have the most Supporters Shields (4), and FC Cincinnati won it in 2023.
What's next?
It has been quite the season for Inter Miami, under Tata Martino's management, and they can set their sights on the MLS Cup playoffs scheduled to begin later this month. Columbus Crew currently hold the MLS Cup honors and would be facing whoever finishes seventh in the Eastern Conference.
There's some possibility for even more silverware this season for Inter Miami, but for now, it's almost enough to bask in their Supporters Shield win.
