Having Earned $6,230,000 Already, Decoding the Biggest Confusion Around Lionel Messi and Inter Miami

Lionel Messi signed for Inter Miami in a deal that will see him earn $54 million per season. The Argentine signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Florida club. Messi also ditched an offer by Saudi club, Al Hilal, in a deal worth $500 million per season. With the signing of the World Cup winner, Beckham’s side has hit gold. But the highest-earning player in MLS hasn’t even played a single MLS match.

Lionel Messi has already earned $6,230,000 while playing for Miami and this is without playing a single minute in the MLS. His first MLS match is now around the corner. Let’s decode why the Florida team still hasn’t started their star player.

Unexpected results and postponements

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami has had a surprising run in the Leagues Cup. Having been last in their group standings, Miami never expected to make it to the quarter-finals let alone the finals. In a thrilling match against Dallas FC which went to penalties, Inter Miami won and advanced to the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, their next match in the MLS was supposed to be against Charlotte FC. They too were in the round of 16 and won 2-1 against Dynamo FC. With both teams in the quarter-finals, their match was postponed to a later date.

Inter Miami confirmed the postponement via their social media handle in a statement notifying fans, “Our regular season MLS match on August 20th against Charlotte FC has been postponed to a later date to be announced due to progression within the Leagues Cup. Tickets originally purchased for the Aug. 20 MLS match will be honored for the new date in which the game will be played.” 

Read more – Inter Miami Won’t Win Against New York Red Bulls in Lionel Messi’s MLS Debut: Here’s Why

Inter Miami then experienced a resurgence in their form. The skills of Messi, in addition to the team’s underlying stars, led them to have a fairytale run at the Leagues Cup. They went on to win 4-0 against Charlotte FC in the quarter-finals, progressing to the semi-finals where they beat Philadelphia FC 4-1. The Florida club then went on to win their first silverware defeating Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties. Let’s have a look at Inter Miami’s current shape and Messi’s possible debut in the MLS.

Lionel Messi turns the tide, defensive woes, and Messi’s MLS debut in question?

Inter Miami recently won their Open Cup game against Cincinnati FC in a thrilling semi-final. They will be now heading to DRV PNK stadium for their first Open Cup final. The Florida club will be looking to win their second piece of silverware. In a matter of a few months, Inter Miami has completely turned the tide.

There is still a backline to maintain, there’s a clear issue and it needs to be solved as soon as possible with the transfer window nearing its deadline. Beckham’s side is heavily rumored to be in talks of signing Sergio Ramos, who is currently a free agent after leaving PSG. Although the team has won crucial matches, there are still defensive issues as they keep conceding a lot in their matches.

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Inter Miami will now finally play their first MLS fixture against New York Red Bulls FC at the Red Bull Arena. But to the dismay of MLS and New York Red Bull fans, the Argentine might be rested by Gerardo Martino. MLS fans will have to wait for the line-ups to be announced.

Do you think Messi should play against NY Red Bulls? Let us know in the comments below.