The influence of Lionel Messi on Inter Miami is quite clear. They win significantly more matches with Messi than without him. He has had an excellent start to his MLS career with 11 goals in as many matches. In addition to this, he has also provided 8 assists and powered them to their first-ever Leagues Cup title. But despite Messi-Mania running riot in Miami, three of his teammates have decided to leave at the end of the season.
Inter Miami, by all accounts, enjoyed a good season. In fact, it was one of their best seasons in recent history. They managed to cap off the season with their first-ever major title-2023 Leagues Cup. However, their inability to qualify for the playoffs was disappointing, to say the least. David Beckham will be hoping for improved results in the upcoming campaign and has plenty of changes lined up.
Three of Lionel Messi’s teammates set to leave Inter Miami
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Lionel Messi is the most attractive commodity in soccer. Even the presence of Messi couldn’t stop 3 teammates from calling time on their Inter-Miami stay. Experienced Striker Josef Martinez, Victor Ulloa, and Jake LaCava will not be returning to the team. Martinez is amongst the most decorated MLS Players in history and led Atlanta United to the MLS Title in 2018. His departure was confirmed by coach Tata Martino in a press conference. LaCava, the American forward, and Ulloa, a defensive midfielder, are not as high-profile as Martinez. However, these departures signify a new-look and exciting Inter Miami team for the next season.
⚠️ Tata Martino on Josef Martinez's 🇻🇪 future:
“Josef did not travel because it is going to be very difficult for him to return to the institution next season.
"We had been talking about it, and the most prudent thing to do, and what was decided, was for him not to travel for… pic.twitter.com/LF5n3bt0hL
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) October 22, 2023
Also, there were lots of rumors regarding Lionel Messi. Many believed that he would join another team on loan during the off-season. The possibility of a Barcelona return simply wouldn’t go away as well. However, Messi eventually cleared the air by saying that he would not be moving away from the club. Inter Miami would be thrilled at the prospect of having a fresh Messi for the next campaign.
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How will Inter Miami fare in the upcoming season?
With a player like Lionel Messi on your team, expectations will be through the roof. Inter Miami fans and David Beckham will be hoping for much a better league performance next season with a play-off qualification at the least. Luis Suarez has been rumored to join the team replacing Martinez but nothing has been confirmed. Similarly, Luka Modric could make the move as well. One thing is sure, they will definitely improve on the 14th-placed finish in the league.
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2024 could possibly be the most exciting season yet for Inter Miami. With a settled team and play of style, Inter Miami could go all the way. They certainly have the talent to do so. It could be the year Beckham’s vision finally comes to fruit. How do you expect Inter Miami to fare in the league next season? Let us your opinions in the comments below.
Watch this story: He Deserves That” – As Lionel Messi Gets Close to His 8th Ballon d’Or, Inter Milan Boss States 26YO Argentina Star is Equally Worthy of the Honor