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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Cruz Azul MEX 1-2 Inter de Miami USA Lionel Messi of Inter Miami during the game Cruz Azul vs Inter Miami, corresponding to the group stage of the Leagues Cup 2023, at DRV PNK Stadium, on July 21, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi de Inter Miami durante el partido Cruz Azul vs Inter de Miami, correspondiente a la fase de grupos de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio DRV PNK, el 21 de Julio de 2023. FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xDavidxLeahx 20230721173834_LC_23_CAZ_MIA_MESSI19
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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Leagues Cup 2023 Cruz Azul MEX 1-2 Inter de Miami USA Lionel Messi of Inter Miami during the game Cruz Azul vs Inter Miami, corresponding to the group stage of the Leagues Cup 2023, at DRV PNK Stadium, on July 21, 2023. brbr Lionel Messi de Inter Miami durante el partido Cruz Azul vs Inter de Miami, correspondiente a la fase de grupos de la Leagues Cup 2023, en el Estadio DRV PNK, el 21 de Julio de 2023. FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xDavidxLeahx 20230721173834_LC_23_CAZ_MIA_MESSI19
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has undoubtedly been a game-changer. The Argentinian superstar’s presence has propelled the Florida club to new heights in Major League Soccer. While his impact on the team is unquestionable, an unexpected voice from David Beckham’s past rivalries has boldly asserted that Messi has transformed the once ‘irrelevant’ Inter Miami into the most prominent brand in MLS.
But what made him state such a bold claim? While Miami’s playoff dreams have already been dashed, signaling the end of their campaign in the MLS, let’s go ahead and see how Messi still made the season special for the Florida club.
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Lionel Messi made ‘irrelevant’ Inter Miami an important brand in the MLS
From box office-packed stadiums to winning silverware, it has been a remarkable shift for Inter Miami. And Lionel Messi has made this transformation possible. Interestingly, the Argentinian superstar’s influence became the topic of discussion on ESPN’s program. Hosts Luis Miguel Echegaray, Alejandro Moreno, and Mark Donaldson gathered to discuss the latest release of Apple TV’s documentary, ‘Messi Meets America.’
Notably, Alejandro Moreno, a former MLS rival of Beckham, offered an intriguing perspective on Messi’s influence in Fort Lauderdale. The former Columbus Crew star said, “Look, they [Inter Miami] were an irrelevant brand in the MLS. They were just another team in the presence of Lionel Messi, and him just jogging on the field as he did in that game against Cruz Azul, automatically, in that very moment, by him stepping onto the field, Inter Miami became the most important brand in Major League Soccer by far.”
Moreno insists Messi has helped lift Miami both on and off the pitch. Certainly, this is a huge claim from the Venezuelan MLS icon. Indeed, this holds true in every sense, as the 36-year-old has brought an energy that has been unparalleled by any other player joining an MLS club.
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La Pulga has turned the tables for Inter Miami
Prior to Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami, the majority of soccer fans paid little attention to the developments at the MLS side. David Beckham’s soccer franchise never even won any silverware. But ever since the arrival of La Pulga, the grass grew greener as the club went through a remarkable change. Be it the surge in fan following or winning the first silverware, it has been quite a journey with Messi.
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NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 19: Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi 10 along with defender DeAndre Yedlin 2 and teammates prepare to lift the championship trophy during the Leagues Cup Final match between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at GEODIS Park in Nashville, TN. Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: AUG 19 Leagues Cup Final – Nashville SC vs Inter Miami CF EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2308190088
Additionally, the first half of the season was more than fair for Messi, winning just the Leagues Cup. While the captain had the opportunity to compete in the US Open Cup and contend for the MLS Cup, injuries hampered his plans. Nevertheless, he will hope to return with a bang again. He will return after four months when Miami kicks off its new season. Let’s see what Messi has in store for us in the upcoming season.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space
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