The Major League Soccer (MLS) 2024 season is poised to commence on a high note on February 22, with Inter Miami welcoming Real Salt Lake to the DRV PNK Stadium. This event marks the beginning of a season that promises to be unlike any before, largely due to the seismic impact of Lionel Messi's arrival in the previous season. Messi's debut in the MLS has not only transformed Inter Miami's fortunes but also altered the landscape of American soccer.
Messi's Midas Touch
Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami has been nothing short of transformative. Beyond elevating the team's play, Messi has significantly boosted ticket and jersey sales, injecting a newfound excitement among the fanbase. His influence extends beyond the pitch, as evidenced by the spike in Apple TV subscriptions, highlighting his impact on broadcasting deals. Messi's presence in the MLS is rightfully seen as a watershed moment for the league, potentially paving the way for other top international talents to join the American soccer revolution.
Inter Miami's Ascent
Last season, Inter Miami found themselves at a crossroads, finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference, marking their poorest performance since 2020. However, the arrival of Messi, followed by the acquisition of Luis Suárez, Messi's close friend and former Barcelona teammate, has significantly altered the team's trajectory. This injection of world-class talent was underscored by Inter Miami's triumphant Leagues Cup campaign, where they secured the title by edging out Nashville SC in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The team's preparation for the upcoming season included a poignant pre-season match against Messi's boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys, which was among the eight friendly matches they played. Despite achieving only one victory in these matches, optimism within the camp is sky-high, with the team setting its sights on competing for the top honors in the MLS this season.
Key Players and Expectations
Messi, joined by Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, forms the backbone of a rejuvenated Inter Miami squad that is eager to challenge the league's elite. The team possesses a blend of experience and skill that makes them formidable opponents. With an eye on the MLS title, Inter Miami is gearing up to face stiff competition, notably from powerhouses like New York City FC and Atlanta United.
Fan excitement is palpable, as tickets for the opening match are already sold out. Analysts are bullish on Inter Miami's prospects, predicting a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, an ambitious leap from last season's standings. Last season's champions, Columbus Crew, are predicted to finish fourth, signifying the competitive balance expected in this year's campaign.
A Season of High Stakes
The 2024 MLS regular season, stretching until October, sets the stage for the eagerly awaited MLS Cup Playoffs starting in late October. The pathway to glory will see teams battling it out in the Conference Semifinals and Finals in November and early December, culminating in the MLS Cup final slated for December 7. Inter Miami's aspirations are encapsulated by Luis Suárez's statement, expressing a fervent desire to secure the club's first MLS title and adapt to his new team and club.
As the 2024 MLS season kicks off, all eyes will be on Inter Miami and their star-studded lineup. The arrival of Lionel Messi has already had a multiplicative effect, elevating the profile of the team and the league alike. With the team bolstered by the signings of Suárez, Alba, and Busquets, Inter Miami is not just dreaming of silverware but signaling their intent to be a powerhouse in American soccer. The stage is set for a compelling season, one that could very well redefine the future of the MLS.