Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Will be ‘Overwhelming MLS Cup Favorites’ in 2024, Claims ESPN Analyst

Lionel Messi will hope to turn the tides after a rather slow start in the MLS. While Inter Miami managed to get their hands on the Leagues Cup title last season, the David Beckham-owned franchise will eye to clinch the biggest prize. A prominent ESPN analyst believes the side has what it takes and could emerge as the hot favorites to win the MLS in 2024.

It will be interesting to see if Inter Miami can deliver up to the heavy expectations. The side will have to be on top of their game throughout the season and try to avoid depending on La Pulga for results. Miami has been linked with Messi’s former teammate in the hope of bolstering their chances to win the league title.

Sebastian Salazar labels Inter Miami favorites for the MLS title

Sebastian Salazar was present with his regular partner-in-crime Herculez Gomez on ESPN’s ‘Futbol Americas’. The two hosted a short segment, naming five things they were grateful for this season. Both Salazar and Gomez thanked Lionel Messi’s arrival in the United States to boost the game in the country. Salazar also went a step ahead as he claimed that Inter Miami, with all the potential fresh additions, is the favorite to lift the MLS title in 2024. “To me, they have to be overwhelming cup favorites in 2024. Tell me I’m wrong.” 

While Inter Miami could undoubtedly be a force to fear next season, calling them the favorites could be an overstatement. The side struggled to deliver in the absence of Lionel Messi, and the same scenario could play out once again if the player fails to appear in some games for the team.

Lionel Messi hoping to bag the MLS title in his second season

La Pulga had an impactful start to his life in the USA as he helped Inter Miami bag their first-ever Leagues Cup title last season. However, things went downhill following the win as the side lost to Houston Dynamo in the finals of the US Open Cup.

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The team then registered multiple defeats in regular MLS games in the absence of Lionel Messi, which saw Miami lose out on making it into the playoffs. Lionel Messi will be eager to correct things this time around.

The player will kick-start the campaign with the club this season and might be joined by some old friends. Miami has been linked with a move for Luis Suarez, as the side hopes to reunite the Uruguayan striker with La Pulga.

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