When the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner moved to Florida in the summer of 2023, he immediately became a major asset for the Herons and MLS. Messi chose to leave Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent and pursue his American dream.
He has had a significant impact in the United States as he draws attention to an ever-expanding sport. He is currently pursuing big hardware once more in 2024, as Inter Miami continues to pursue the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup championship.
WHAT BECKHAM SAID
At the Stella Artois “Let’s Do Dinner” event in New York, Inter Miami co-owner Beckham gave an explanation of Messi’s motivation for coming to the country: “All he was interested in was a place where his family could come enjoy and have a great life.” For Leo, that was really significant. It’s been a fantasy since the first day he set foot in Miami, to be really honest.
However, to argue that we have the best player in the game in the MLS, in Miami, is almost surreal, don’t you think? Every time I visit there, it feels like a dream. I personally can’t believe we have Leo, so if I go for the entire summer—which I did for four weeks this summer—I work out every day. Second, all I want to do is observe his actions. And that is something unique to us.
Within weeks of his arrival, Messi assisted Inter Miami in winning the Leagues Cup for the first time ever. Despite missing many games this season due to injuries, he is back to full fitness at a pivotal point in the campaign.
