Messi transformed the MLS and now wants more: The Argentine genius's impact on Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami wasn't just a transfer, it was a real earthquake in the world of soccer. Major League Soccer (MLS) will never be the same since the Argentine star set foot on American soil and decided that the Florida sun would be his new home. Messi's impact goes far beyond the pitch, transforming the league and the club itself in a way that few could have predicted.

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Messi's debut against Cruz Azul was cinematic. The star came on in the second half and, alongside his old teammate Sergio Busquets, brought a new energy to the team. It was as if a missing piece of the puzzle had finally fallen into place. And then, the magic moment: a perfect free-kick, a hat-trick that sealed the win and immediately became one of the most iconic moments in MLS history. That was the start of a saga that Hollywood couldn't have written better.

But it wasn't just the goal that marked his debut, it was the way Messi and Busquets connected again, as if they had never been apart. The chemistry between the two was palpable, and it was clear that, despite the years apart, the magic was still there. This connection brought a new dimension to Inter Miami, raising the level of play and taking the team to a new level.

And it didn't stop there. Messi continued to shine in the Leagues Cup, leading Inter Miami to a series of impressive victories. With each game, he showed why he is considered the GOAT), not just for his technical ability, but for his ability to inspire and lead. The trip to Dallas was a highlight, with Messi being cheered on by the fans, showing that his impact transcends borders and rivalries.

Jordi Alba, another Barcelona veteran, also joined the team, completing the magical trio that has dominated European soccer for years. Alba's full debut was the icing on the cake, with precise assists and a natural partnership with Messi that brought even more strength to Inter Miami. It was as if the old days were back, but now on a new stage, with new stories to tell.

“I was lucky enough to connect with him in my full debut,” Alba told ‘La Primera’, Inter Miami's new documentary. “I know that if I give him the ball, I have a better chance of getting assists. And, thanks to Leo, I know that it usually ends up in the net.”

Messi's impact hasn't been limited to the pitch. The MLS audience exploded, with record crowds and a significant increase in interest in the league. Inter Miami's social networks saw exponential growth, and shirt sales skyrocketed. The Messi phenomenon brought unprecedented attention to soccer in the United States, putting the MLS under the international spotlight.

And then, the big Leagues Cup final. Inter Miami faced Nashville SC in a game that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. Messi scored his 10th goal of the tournament, and the match was decided on penalties, with goalkeeper Drake Callender becoming the hero by saving the decisive spot-kick. It was an epic victory, and Messi, as always, was at the center of it all, lifting the trophy and sealing his MLS legacy.

But what's next? Inter Miami have already started this year's Leagues Cup campaign with a convincing win over Puebla, and expectations are high for the rest of the tournament. With Messi at the helm, the team is not just a contender, but the favorite. And with the talent and experience he brings, it's hard to imagine a scenario where Inter Miami don't continue to dominate. This year's final is on August 25. According to MLS data, in 2024 the league has an average of 23,246 fans per game, a 7% increase on the previous year, when the average was 21,734. Almost 6.5 million fans have already attended league games this season, 725,000 more than in the same period in 2023.

When only Inter Miami's average attendance is analyzed, the effect is even more noticeable. The club has seen a 26.6% increase in average home attendances compared to the same period last year. It's Messi. He'd have that effect in any league in the world, and it's no different here. He's still in his infancy, but he's growing a lot. With him and Suárez coming, with all the hype, I think the MLS will only go up from here. If, as expected, Messi has been a success off the pitch, the result has been the same on it. In 2023, he scored 11 goals and five assists in 14 games. This year, he has managed to increase his average: 14 goals and 11 assists in 15 matches.

In his new home, Messi has already won the Leagues Cup and leads Inter Miami in the MLS, where the team leads the competition. In addition to his success on the pitch, Messi has brought a significant increase in market value. Surveys show that Inter Miami, with Messi, has become the second most valuable franchise in the MLS, valued at one billion dollars. This growth reflects not only on the Miami team, but economically boosts other franchises and the US sports market as a whole.

The building of a strong image for the MLS, nurtured by Messi's arrival, is not restricted to American territory. The sale of the league's broadcasting rights to Apple TV for a tripled amount and the record sales of shirts indicate that the league's reach is indeed expanding globally.