Inter Miami CF is set to begin the Messi era with much anticipation, as the club schedules its opening match against Club América on December 21, 2024, in Las Vegas. This friendly encounter is set to be the first opportunity for fans to see Lionel Messi donning the Inter Miami jersey, and it marks the debut of Javier Mascherano as head coach.
The Major League Soccer (MLS) recently announced the game schedules for the upcoming season. Messi’s involvement is primed to be significant, with potential for around 50 matches, and possibly exceeding 60 depending on the team's progression through various tournaments. The excitement builds as Inter Miami prepares to compete at high levels, beginning with the CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Sporting Kansas City on February 18, 2025.
Messi, hailing from Rosario, is not just another player on the team; he is already instilling hope and excitement among the fanbase, estimated to include about six million supporters of Club América across the United States. Following the initial friendly, Messi's schedule includes face-offs against some of the biggest names in football, such as FC Porto on June 19, and Brazilian giants Palmeiras just days later.
With these matches, the team aims to build on the momentum created by Messi's arrival. The anticipation is palpable, as fans are eager to witness the magic of one of the greatest football players begin to shape the future of their club.
Meanwhile, as Messi prepares for his new chapter, the club is also dealing with changes. Leonardo Campana has recently left Inter Miami to join the New England Revolution. Speaking about his experience at Inter Miami, Campana acknowledged the challenges posed by Messi’s star presence: "I will miss the great times we had together and the amazing performances during my years at Inter Miami alongside Messi and other legends of football," he stated. His departure highlights the intensity of competition for playing time and recognition on the team.
Campana praised Messi, calling him the best striker of the past decade, which mirrors the universal acclaim surrounding the Argentine superstar. The former Inter Miami player emphasized the incredible experience he had playing alongside celebrated figures like Gonzalo Higuaín and Sergio Busquets, adding weight to the prestige of Messi’s presence within the squad.
Looking forward, there is high anticipation for how Messi will influence not just the team's performance but also the dynamic of the league as he brings his world-class skills to American soccer. Fans are hopeful about the new energy he will inject, drawing more viewership and commercial interest to Inter Miami CF.
On the management side, fans are also curious about how Mascherano will structure the team and tactics around Messi’s strengths. His first major challenge will be translating the personal magic of Messi's playstyle to team success on the field, integrating him with the existing squad's dynamics. Mascherano has big shoes to fill, tasked with keeping Inter Miami competitive against well-established teams throughout their MLS campaign and across international tournaments.
Messi’s first game will undoubtedly attract significant media coverage, and with the stadium filled with fans eager for the kickoff, it promises to be more than just any ordinary match. It is set to define the aspirations of Inter Miami for the season. Each game will form part of the narrative around Messi's influence and the legacy he shapes during his stay at the club.
Fans, analysts, and players alike will be watching closely—each match will be key to determining if this exciting new chapter translates to on-field success. Beyond wins and losses, Messi’s presence has already started reshaping the identity of Inter Miami CF as they enter this vibrant era, uniting soccer lovers from all backgrounds.
With Messi leading the charge, there’s no telling how high Inter Miami CF can soar. The stage is set, and the world is watching as they kick off what promises to be the most thrilling season yet.
