Lionel Messi acknowledged he has reinvented his style of play since joining Inter Miami CF in order to adapt to Major League Soccer in the closing stretch of his career. The 37-year-old Argentine superstar made an immediate impact on the South Florida team, scoring just minutes into his debut against Cruz Azul in the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament before going on to propel the club to the title.
Despite guiding the club to its first piece of silverware, Miami struggled during the 2023 MLS regular season. The team concluded the campaign in 14th place on the Eastern Conference table to miss the playoffs entirely and leave Messi yearning for more.
The team has been radically improved this year, winning the MLS Supporters' Shield with a record regular-season points total. Messi is one of five finalists for the MLS MVP award and led the league in total goal contributions, with 20 goals and 16 assists, despite playing only 19 of 34 games.
Adapting to a New League
Messi, though, said there is plenty of room for improvement to avoid the “silly mistakes” that may cost Miami the opportunity to clinch MLS Cup. He explained his reinvention of his style of play, saying, “I’ve changed my style of play because of the moment, the situation and my age. I am adapting a little bit to everything. I started reinventing myself and adapting to the league, which for me was new. I felt very comfortable from the beginning.”
The MLS is a different game than the leagues Messi was used to in Spain and France. It is a more physical league, with a faster pace and a more direct style of play. Messi has had to adjust his game to suit these conditions.
The MLS Cup Quest
Inter Miami are fresh off the best regular season in MLS history, winning the Supporters’ Shield and earning a record-setting 74 points. That’s given them hosting rights for MLS Cup on Dec. 7. But there’s no guarantee they get there, especially with the Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati and Orlando City SC also in the Eastern Conference field. LAFC and LA Galaxy are favorites from the Western Conference side of the bracket.
Now, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner insists, the team's sights are set on lifting the MLS Cup. Messi said, “To build a club you need to win titles. The club was coming off a bad year in MLS [in 2023] and a little bit after my arrival we won Leagues Cup, the first trophy for the club. It was extraordinary for us, and now we are eager to play these playoffs and hopefully be able to win the MLS Cup. On the personal level and most importantly for the club that has done so much for it to happen.”
The Future of Messi
With the 2024 MLS season coming to a close and the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the Argentina star has faced repeated questions about his future and previously suggested that the end of his career is near. The forward has one more year remaining in his contract for Inter Miami, after signing through the end of the 2025 MLS season.
Messi said, “I don't know [if I will play in the 2026 World Cup], they ask me a lot, especially in Argentina. I hope to finish this year well, and start the year having a good preseason, which I didn't have last year due to all the trips we had. From there, I will see how I am doing and feeling. We are close, but at the same time it's a lot of time and anything can happen in football. I don't think, simply living the day to day without thinking beyond.”
The 2026 World Cup is set to be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada with matches at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, where Messi played and won the 2024 Copa América final with Argentina. Whether he will be on the pitch in Miami for that World Cup remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Messi is still hungry for more success.
Messi's Impact on MLS
Messi’s arrival has had a profound impact on MLS. The league has seen a surge in popularity and interest, with fans flocking to stadiums to see the greatest player of all time. His presence has also inspired young players and coaches, who are now looking to the MLS as a viable option for developing their careers. He has proven to be a transformative force for the league, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
The Future of MLS
The MLS is a league on the rise. With the arrival of stars like Messi and the continued development of young talent, the league is poised to become a major force in world football. Messi’s success in MLS has shown that the league is a viable destination for some of the world’s best players. The league is gaining respect from around the world, and it is only a matter of time before it becomes one of the most popular and competitive leagues in the world.
The End of an Era?
As Messi enters the twilight of his career, the question of his retirement hangs heavy in the air. Will he continue to defy the odds and extend his career beyond 2025, or will this be his final chapter on the world stage? Regardless of what the future holds, there is no doubt that Lionel Messi has left an indelible mark on the game of football. He has inspired generations of players and fans, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game. His journey in MLS has been a thrilling one, and it will be interesting to see what he accomplishes in the years to come.
