There have been some moves throughout MLS history that have been able to send shockwaves across the world. However, few have been as powerful as Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami.
The World Cup winner’s decision to move to North America has been vindicated, as the team has seamlessly transitioned into one capable of competing at the highest level in North America.
Messi's impact
So, former teammate Josef Martinez believes that there is only one man behind the progression that has been achieved. The striker claimed that Messi’s signing has seen Inter Miami go from being the worst team in the league to being the favourite in the MLS Cup winner betting odds.
He also cites the Barcelona legend’s arrival for being the driving force behind the added interest in the team. Martinez revealed that before Messi’s arrival only 1,000 journalists would attend matches, but that number has sky-rocketed, with 50,000 reporters in attendance for the Argentinean’s first training session with his new team.
It could also be argued that Messi’s arrival at the team gave the MLS a spark it craved. His star power now ensures that games in the competition are as popular as ever, and that can only be a positive sign ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the Americas.
World Cup to increase popularity
The biggest party on the soccer schedule is creeping into sight, and it could be one of the biggest events to be held in North America. Messi’s arrival has created momentum for the sport of soccer in the States, and that comes at the perfect time ahead of the World Cup in 2026.
However, it has quickly led to questions revolving around whether the Argentine will be involved in the tournament. The national team captain was forced to pull out of qualifiers during the last international break, and his injury issues are beginning to mount.
But, Luis Suarez has recently revealed that the superstar plans to continue playing up until the tournament in the Americas next summer, but no official word has come from Messi to this point.
Martinez forced to give way at Inter Miami
The arrival of Messi in Miami may have been praised by Martinez, but it led to his inevitable departure from the club in the winter of 2024. The striker has been one of the standout players in the MLS throughout his career, and he holds the record for the most career hat-tricks in competition history.
Martinez also reached 100 goals in the MLS quicker than any other player in history, reaching the landmark in just 125 games. In 2018, he made MLS history by becoming the most decorated player in a single season after winning the League MVP, Golden Boot, MLS Cup Final MVP, and the All-Star Game MVP.
However, Martinez doesn’t appear to hold any grudges after being told he was surplus to requirements in Miami, but his strong scoring records have remained impressive. The striker netting 14 in 26 in a one-season stay with Montreal in 2024, and he already looks on course for another 20-plus goal season with the San Jose Earthquakes after netting six in nine at the start of the new season.
Messi’s record in Miami
The ground-breaking announcement that Messi would be joining Inter Miami was revealed in 2023, ending his career-long stay in Europe, which ended with PSG. Miami appeared to have fought off competition for his signature, as Barcelona were also reportedly interested in bringing the attacking midfielder back to the Nou Camp.
However, Messi has continued to play at the highest level during his stay in Miami. His first season with the club brought history, as he would guide Miami to their first major piece of silverware after winning the Leagues Cup. The Argentine showcased his class throughout that run after scoring nine goals in his first six appearances for the team.
His staggering season would also lead to further individual accolades after winning an eighth Ballon d’Or in October 2023. Despite the team falling short on their targets in 2024, Messi continued to play his part. He broke the record for the most assists in a single game, before ending the regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 matches.
MLS future looks bright
His star power continues to play a prominent role in the marketing of the MLS, and the records continue to tumble. Messi became the fastest player to reach 40 goals in league history in early 2025, before he featured as the poster boy for the competition in an Apple TV commercial, which was aired during the Super Bowl.
More history could be on the horizon for one of the most decorated players in soccer history, as reports indicate that he could be close to signing a one-year extension with Inter Miami.
