Lionel Messi has officially concluded his first season in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.
After extending his record for Ballon d’Or victories, Lionel Messi confidently voiced Inter Miami’s capability to secure more trophies. The 36-year-old Argentine forward played a pivotal role in his country’s triumph in the 2022 World Cup last month. Acclaimed as the world’s best player for the eighth time, his performance was crucial. Leaving Paris St-Germain in July, he joined Miami, and in August, the MLS team secured the Leagues Cup.
Acknowledging Messi’s accomplishment, the team named the match ‘Noche d’Or’ and organized a special ceremony at DRV PNK Stadium. Four-time Champions League winner Messi declared confidently, “We would enjoy it and have a good time.” He expressed confidence that next year will surpass the current one, even though he wasn’t initially sure.
Unforeseen circumstances” earlier this month thwarted Inter Miami’s plans to play two games in China. In response, the team organized an exhibition match against NYCFC. The morning after the ceremony, Messi joined the team’s training sessions and actively participated for the past two weeks.
Lionel Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or Triumph Celebrated by Inter Miami
Amidst fireworks, Lionel Messi brought the pregame ritual to a close by raising the Ballon d’Or overhead. In 2023, Inter Miami CF celebrated Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or victory with a friendly against New York City FC. They presented Messi with the accolade, annually bestowed upon the league’s greatest player, at a black-tie event in Paris. This marked his eighth victory overall, a record with no player having won it more than five times.
In the Miami vs. NYCFC match, Messi played, but Miami lost 2-1. With ten minutes left, Miami’s substitute, Robert Robinson, scored. New York’s scores were by Talles Magno and Julián Fernández.
Holding the trophy in his left hand, Messi crossed the pitch to midfield on a gold carpet. MLS Commissioner Don Garber awaited him for a quick pregame ceremony.
Garber declared, “Inter Miami fans, you possess the game’s best player.” “Leo, the eighth-time Ballon d’Or winner, the Leagues Cup-lifting captain.” for your team—thank you for believing in Major League Soccer and elevating your club and league as a preferred choice.”
In a friendly setting, spectators and supporters can watch Leo and his teammates play, bidding farewell to the year.
Debates about the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) are common in many sports. The debate in soccer may persist, but Messi’s possession of eight Ballon d’Or trophies tilts the argument in his favor.
Messi’s Address to Fans: A Promise of Fun and Championship Victories
Before Friday’s friendly at DRV PNK Stadium, Messi, sharing his eighth Ballon d’Or, thanked Inter Miami fans in a pregame celebration. No player has won that award more than five times
“I want to thank not just the people in the stadium, but the entire Miami community,” Messi remarked. For my family and me, the treatment has made us feel at home.”
During the second half of the game, fans chanted “Vamos, Messi” enthusiastically. In the closing moments, Messi had an opportunity to equalize with a free kick from approximately 25 yards out. Unfortunately, the world’s best player had a challenging day as he struggled to convert any of his opportunities on the field. His left boot sent the ball over the net.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Messi declared, “We’ll keep having fun and winning championships. As you have done during the months that I have been here, I hope you will stay with us.” Marking proclamation, a friendly against New York City concluded the 2023 US season before his first match back in Miami.
Lionel Messi, a star for Inter Miami, rejects a loan move
Following the MLS season, Guillem Balague asserts Lionel Messi will abstain from loaning to another team. The 36-year-old captain of Inter Miami is considering a return to Barcelona and a transfer to the Saudi Pro League. According to the Spanish football expert, he will dismiss such considerations. Messi, a World Cup-winning Argentine international, will conclude his Major League Soccer tenure on October 21. This follows Inter Miami’s elimination from playoff contention with a 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati. Injury has limited his playing time to just 72 minutes since early September.
Messi is set to participate in World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay on November 17 and 22, respectively. This comes after the conclusion of the MLS regular season. Post these fixtures, he plans to embark on a month-long vacation, aligning with the customary break for football players. Balague refutes any rumors regarding a transfer to Saudi Arabia or similar locations during this period. As Inter Miami readies itself for the upcoming MLS season, Messi is anticipated to resume pre-season training in February.
Having departed Paris St-Germain to join Inter Miami in July, Messi exerted a significant influence. He contributed to the team’s triumph in the Leagues Cup in August. Despite scoring 11 goals for the squad in 13 games, only one goal was recorded in his five MLS appearances. Persistent speculations have linked Lionel Messi to a return to Barcelona. He spent 21 years at the club before departing for PSG in 2021. Tata Martino, the manager of Inter Miami, expressed surprise at these rumors, acknowledging his lack of information on the matter. He also noted that it would be conceivable for Messi to visit Barcelona for vacation.
