The MLS regular season is set to kick off on February 22, as Inter Miami welcomes Real Salt Lake to the DRV PNK Stadium. This game is not only a curtain-raiser for the new season but also marks the advent of what many believe to be a new era for American soccer, fueled by the star power of Lionel Messi, who made his debut for Inter Miami in the previous season.
Messi's Influence on Inter Miami
Since Messi's arrival, Inter Miami has witnessed a significant uptick in ticket and jersey sales, underscoring the Argentine superstar's impact on the franchise's commercial success. Moreover, his presence has also given a boost to Apple TV subscriptions, elucidating his far-reaching influence beyond the pitch. Messi's tenure in the MLS is regarded as a watershed moment for the league, potentially paving the way for other top international talents to consider moves to the United States.
The previous season was not without its challenges for Inter Miami, as the team finished 14th in the Eastern Conference, marking their poorest performance since 2020. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to clinch the Leagues Cup title, overcoming Nashville SC in a dramatic penalty shootout. This victory, combined with the allure of playing alongside Messi, played a part in attracting other big names to the club, including Luis Suarez, a close friend and former teammate of Messi.
Pre-Season and Expectations
In preparation for the upcoming season, Inter Miami engaged in a series of pre-season friendly matches, securing just one victory in eight outings. Among these fixtures was a notable encounter with Messi's boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys. Despite the underwhelming pre-season record, the team remains optimistic about their chances in the MLS.
With a squad bolstered by the addition of seasoned players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, alongside Messi and Suarez, Inter Miami is setting its sights on competing for the MLS title. The club acknowledges the stiff competition they face, with formidable opponents such as New York City FC and Atlanta United standing in their way. Yet, the belief within the camp is palpable, driven by the ambition to achieve greatness on the domestic front.
The Season Ahead
The 2024 MLS regular season, extending until October, promises to be an enthralling affair, culminating with the MLS Cup Playoffs beginning in late October. Tickets for Inter Miami's opening match have already sold out, a testament to the heightened anticipation among fans. Experts and pundits predict a third-place finish for Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference, a considerable improvement from their previous campaign. Reigning champions, Columbus Crew, are expected to secure the fourth spot, adding to the narrative of what promises to be a closely contested season.
The road to glory will be arduous, with the Conference Semifinals and Finals slated for November and early December, respectively. The journey culminates with the MLS Cup final on December 7, where dreams of silverware will either be realized or dashed.
Luis Suarez, reflecting on his decision to join Inter Miami, encapsulated the sentiment within the camp, stating, "Inter Miami offered me a nice opportunity to dream of winning the club's first MLS title, to play with big players, who everybody knows, and adapt to my new team and club."
Conclusion
As the 2024 MLS season dawns, Inter Miami stands at the precipice of what could be a transformative period in the club's history. Bolstered by the arrival of global superstars and spurred on by the allure of clinching the franchise's first MLS title, the team's blend of ambition and optimism paints a compelling narrative for the season ahead. With the league and its fans watching closely, Inter Miami's journey through the season will undoubtedly be one of the central sagas in the burgeoning story of soccer in the United States.
