The Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to kick off on February 22, with a highly anticipated match between Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake at DRV PNK Stadium. The excitement for this new season is palpable, especially given the star-studded lineup Inter Miami has managed to assemble, most notably with Lionel Messi's momentous joining in the previous season.
### Lionel Messi: A New Era for Inter Miami
The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has been nothing short of transformative. Not only did this move significantly boost ticket and jersey sales, but it also led to a dramatic increase in Apple TV subscriptions, highlighting the Messi effect's extensive reach. His presence on the team is viewed as a pivotal moment for American soccer, hinting at a future where other top international players may be drawn to the MLS.
Despite Inter Miami placing 14th in the Eastern Conference last season, their worst performance since 2020, the club managed to clinch the Leagues Cup title, defeating Nashville SC on penalties. This victory, combined with Messi's influence, has set a hopeful and optimistic tone for the upcoming season.
### Star-Studded Additions and Pre-Season Reflections
Further boosting the team's morale, Inter Miami signed Luis Suarez, a close friend of Messi, who shared his enthusiasm about joining the club, "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." This signing, along with the acquisition of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, amplifies the team's strength and experience considerably.
In the run-up to the new season, Inter Miami faced its share of challenges, securing only one victory in eight pre-season friendly matches, including a memorable game against Messi's boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys. Nevertheless, the team remains optimistic about their prospects, aiming to not only compete but to contend for the MLS title this season.
### A Challenging Season Ahead
Inter Miami's journey through the 2024 MLS regular season, which will run until October, promises to be an exciting one. The team is scheduled to confront formidable opponents such as New York City FC and Atlanta United, testing their mettle and determination.
The anticipation has reached a fever pitch with tickets for Inter Miami's opening match already sold out. Predictions place the team third in the Eastern Conference, trailing behind last season's winner, Columbus Crew, who are predicted fourth. As the season progresses towards the Conference Semifinals and Finals in November and early December, all eyes will be on Inter Miami to see if they can realize their championship aspirations.
### Conclusion
The MLS Cup final, scheduled for December 7, looms as the ultimate goal for Inter Miami and its constellation of stars. The club's journey from a disappointing performance last season to now harboring legitimate title aspirations underlines a remarkable turnaround. With talents like Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets onboard, Inter Miami's dream of capturing their first MLS title feels within reach. As the 2024 season unfolds, the soccer world will be keenly watching, eager to witness how this chapter in American soccer history will be written.
