Lionel Messi all set for his first Major League Soccer stint
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi will officially begin his first full Major League Soccer campaign on February 21st, 2024. His Miami-based club, Inter Miami, kicks off the MLS regular season at home against Real Salt Lake, marking a highly anticipated moment for both the league and Messi’s fans.
The opening week buzz isn’t over for Messi‘s Miami. Four days after kicking off their campaign at home, they head to the legendary StubHub Center for a battle with the LA Galaxy, a match dripping with history and rivalry. Inter Miami are all set to play 34 games in the regular stage. During this period, they will also pay a visit to Orlando City SC in mid May in what will be the MLS Rivalry Week. The regular season will culminate on October 19 after which the MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup will be held.
Messi Magic in Miami
Lionel Messi’s arrival in Miami in June 2023 wasn’t just a signing, it was a seismic shift for Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, and the city itself. His impact has been immense, both on and off the field, and continues to reverberate across the football landscape. In just 14 appearances, he mesmerized crowds with 11 goals, culminating in a historic first trophy for Inter Miami, etched forever in the city’s sporting narrative.
Messi’s impact has been apparent off the field too. Tickets soared like fireworks and his magic spell extended to merchandise sales, which exploded 5,000% compared to pre-Messi days. Fans couldn’t wait to wear their Number 30 jerseys, turning Miami streets into a sea of blue and white. But, the frenzy wasn’t confined to the stadium. Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass subscriptions, the platform to stream live matches, saw a meteorite-like rise thanks to Messi’s magnetism. ️Sponsors lined up eager to be associated with the global icon. His brand power painted Miami gold. Miami, once primarily known for its beaches and nightlife, found itself on the world’s sporting map.
