The stage is set for an electrifying start to the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season on February 22, as Inter Miami prepares to host Real Salt Lake at DRV PNK Stadium. The anticipation is particularly high for this opener, not least because of the star power Inter Miami has managed to assemble, headlined by none other than Lionel Messi, who made his eagerly awaited debut for the club in the previous season.
Inter Miami's Aspirations and Challenges
Last season, Inter Miami experienced a disappointing campaign, finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference, marking their worst performance since the 2020 season. However, the club has been on a redemption arc, clinching the Leagues Cup title by overcoming Nashville SC in a dramatic penalty shootout. This victory not only salvaged pride but also showcased Inter Miami's potential when the stakes are high.
The arrival of Lionel Messi has been nothing short of a revelation for Inter Miami, sparking a significant surge in ticket and jersey sales. More than just a boost to the club's merchandising efforts, Messi’s move has been instrumental in increasing subscriptions for Apple TV, highlighting his unparalleled global appeal and influence. Messi’s presence on American soil is widely regarded as a watershed moment for soccer in the United States, potentially opening the floodgates for other top international talent to consider moves to the MLS.
Building a Competitive Roster
In a bid to capitalize on this momentum, Inter Miami has further strengthened its squad by signing Luis Suarez, Messi's close compatriot and friend. This move not only reunites former teammates but also sends a clear signal of Inter Miami's ambition to be at the forefront of the MLS competition. Among the several pre-season preparations, a standout moment was when Messi faced off against his boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys, providing a poignant reminder of his journey to footballing stardom.
Despite recording just one victory in eight pre-season friendly matches, the mood within the camp remains optimistic heading into the new MLS season. With a trio of seasoned players like Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets now anchoring the squad, Inter Miami is setting its sights on competing for the MLS title.
The Road Ahead
However, the path to glory is laden with formidable challenges. Inter Miami is pitted against tough opponents such as New York City FC and Atlanta United, both of whom pose significant threats to any title aspirations. The 2024 MLS regular season promises to be a marathon, stretching until October, with the MLS Cup Playoffs kicking off in late October. Tickets for Inter Miami's opening clash are already sold out, a testament to the heightened expectations surrounding the team.
Sports analysts and enthusiasts are closely watching Inter Miami's trajectory, with many predicting a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference for the team. This would be a remarkable turnaround from last season's performance, reflecting the transformative impact of its high-profile signings. In contrast, Columbus Crew, the reigning champion, is pegged to finish fourth, indicating how dynamic and unpredictable the MLS can be.
The journey towards the MLS Cup will intensify with the Conference Semifinals and Finals set to unfold in November and early December, respectively. The pinnacle of the season, the MLS Cup final, is scheduled for December 7, marking the culmination of what promises to be a captivating and highly competitive campaign.
In reflecting on his move to Inter Miami, Luis Suarez encapsulated the fervor and ambition that surrounds the club, stating, "Inter Miami offered me a nice opportunity to dream of winning the club's first MLS title, to play with big players, whom everybody knows, and to adapt to my new team and club." This sentiment resonates with the collective goal of the team and its supporters, setting the stage for what could be a historic season for Inter Miami and a landmark year for soccer in America.