[Photo courtesy of Inter Miami]
By Eugene Oyier
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has sparked a remarkable transformation in the team’s performance, resulting in a five-game winning streak in the Leagues Cup since his debut in July. In his latest performance, Messi scored his eighth goal in five games, securing a 4-0 victory over Charlotte FC in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Inter Miami’s success can be attributed to Messi’s influence on the team. The Argentine’s dazzling skills and scoring ability have raised the gameplay of his teammates, turning Inter Miami into a more formidable side. The team’s ownership, including co-owner David Beckham, has been actively involved and present at matches, enhancing the atmosphere of Messi-mania.
With Messi’s addition, Inter Miami’s previously struggling season took a turn for the better.
Before his arrival, the team had won only five out of 22 MLS matches. However, since Messi’s debut, they have won all of their Leagues Cup matches and are now just two wins away from claiming the trophy.
Messi’s impact isn’t limited to his goal-scoring prowess as he has also displayed a unique celebration theme, mimicking Marvel superhero gestures, which has garnered attention and added an extra layer of excitement for fans.
Despite the positive momentum, there are concerns about the team’s dependency on Messi and the challenges of managing player fatigue during their winning streak. As they face tougher opponents in the upcoming stages of the competition and the MLS, the team’s ability to maintain their form will be put to the test.
Off the field, Messi’s presence has drawn significant attention, with notable figures such as David Beckham, Derek Jeter, and Lionel Scaloni (Argentina’s World Cup-winning manager) attending matches to witness his performances.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami’s success in the Leagues Cup and the MLS playoffs will likely hinge on their ability to maintain their current momentum while managing the challenges that come with an extended winning streak and increased expectations.