The Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to kick off on February 22, with Inter Miami CF welcoming Real Salt Lake to DRV PNK Stadium for what promises to be an electrifying match. This season opener is especially noteworthy as it follows Lionel Messi's much-acclaimed debut for Inter Miami in the previous season, a move that has shone an international spotlight on the club and the MLS as a whole.
A New Chapter Begins
Despite finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference last season - their lowest placement since 2020 - Inter Miami marked a significant achievement by clinching the Leagues Cup title, overcoming Nashville SC in a dramatic penalty shootout. The arrival of Lionel Messi at the club not only led to a surge in ticket and jersey sales but also significantly increased Apple TV subscriptions, highlighting the global appeal of the Argentine superstar.
Messi's transfer has been hailed as a watershed moment for soccer in America, potentially opening the doors for other top international talents to consider moves to the MLS. This notion is further cemented by Inter Miami's signing of Luis Suarez, Messi's close friend and former teammate, adding to the star power at the club. Suarez, reflecting on his move, acknowledged the "nice opportunity" at Inter Miami to chase the dream of clinching the club's first MLS title alongside revered names in soccer.
Pre-season and Expectations
In preparation for the upcoming season, Inter Miami engaged in eight pre-season friendly matches, managing a single victory. One of the highlights of this preparatory phase was a match against Newell's Old Boys, Messi's boyhood club, showcasing the depth of talent and ambition within the team. Despite the less than ideal pre-season record, there is a palpable sense of optimism about the team's prospects in the looming MLS campaign.
The trio of Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets stands out as key players for Inter Miami, each bringing a wealth of experience and skill that can elevate the team's performance. With such high-profile names in the lineup, Inter Miami is aiming not just to participate but to be a formidable contender for the MLS title this season.
Looking Ahead
However, the road to glory is fraught with challenges. Inter Miami is set to face stiff competition from teams like New York City FC and Atlanta United, both of which have demonstrated their prowess in past seasons. With the 2024 MLS regular season extending until October, followed by the MLS Cup Playoffs commencing in late October, the battle for supremacy promises to be intense.
The anticipation for Inter Miami's opening match has reached fever pitch, with tickets already sold out. This overwhelming support underscores the enthusiasm and high expectations surrounding the club. Notably, Inter Miami is predicted to secure a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, an optimistic outlook that speaks volumes about the team's potential. Last season's winner, Columbus Crew, is forecasted to finish fourth, indicating a highly competitive season ahead.
The culmination of the season's efforts will be on display during the Conference Semifinals and Finals in November and early December, leading up to the MLS Cup final scheduled for December 7. This structured timeline sets the stage for an exhilarating journey through the season, with clubs vying for the ultimate prize in American soccer.
As the MLS season unfolds, all eyes will be on Inter Miami and its galaxy of stars, led by Lionel Messi. The expectations are sky-high, not just within the realms of the club but across the entire soccer landscape in the United States. Could this be the year that Inter Miami, powered by its high-profile signings and bolstered by a passionate fanbase, achieves its dream of lifting the MLS Cup? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey will be thrilling to watch.