As the MLS season of 2023 draws toward a conclusion, four months after the arrival of its biggest star yet, Inter Miami fans will have seen enough of Lionel Messi in the flesh to be able to make at least some interim judgments on whether the former Barcelona and PSG man has done what he was signed to do. Inter do have a single game left at the time of writing – against Charlotte – but they sit so far outside the playoff spots that the result won’t make a difference. Their season’s story is written.
So what can we say about the part played in that story by Messi. After he arrived in July to tremendous fanfare, was it backed up with displays on the pitch? Arriving at the midpoint of 2023, did he at least deliver some optimism for the future? To answer that question, we need to look beyond the numbers he has put up, and consider the campaign as a whole.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Bet now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
The trend is upward for Inter
The initial goal for any MLS team as a season begins is to be involved in the postseason, with a view to outlasting all opposition and carrying off the MLS Cup. Inter started the season with little hope of being the champion and barely a greater shot at even being an also-ran. Their form in spring bore out that expectation. From their first 22 games this season, they won five, tied three and lost 14. Their playoff hopes were not dead,
officially, but they did have a large sticker on them saying “DNR”.
Since the arrival of the World Cup-winning captain, the numbers have told a different story. Four of their first six league games with him on the books were won. They’ve only lost once with him in the squad – and that defeat against FC Cincinnati came with him playing 35 minutes as a sub after an injury layoff, Given that 18 of the league’s 29 clubs progress to the postseason, Miami’s form after Messi’s signing has been playoff-quality at least.
Positive signs elsewhere
If
El Inter’s
league form has been guardedly positive, then cup competitions have been better still. The intracontinental Leagues Cup saw the club’s pink ribbons attached to a senior trophy for the first time ever, as they topped their group and then sailed through the knockout stages before defeating Nashville in the final. They also appeared in the deciding game of the US Open Cup where they lost to Houston Dynamo; a disappointing end which nonetheless represented a huge step forward from their unimpressive start to life since they debuted in 2020.
Is “Messi Magic” a thing?
So Miami have definitely seen an uptick in fortunes since signing the “Atomic Flea”, but correlation does not always imply causation. Have they improved since they signed him, or
because
they did? Those are two different things, and the latter bears a greater burden of proof. What we can say is that he hasn’t been a prolific scorer in the MLS, scoring just once in five starts – but goals don’t tell the whole story. When he’s been on the pitch, his mere presence and the caution of opposing defenders has created space for fellow attackers, which has always been a key element of his game.
In the Leagues Cup, his impact has been all the more demonstrable: seven appearances have seen him find the net ten times, and his nerveless form from the penalty spot set his side on the way to a shoot-out win in the final. There’s no separating the player and the achievement – without Messi, there is no way Inter would have won the competition. From a sporting point of view, he’s already demonstrated his continuing worth to any who doubted it.
More to come?
Under his current contract, there are two more seasons in which Leo Messi is slated to play in the pink of Inter Miami. Nothing is guaranteed about the future, but what we can say is that the player brings a degree of nous and career experience that is unmatched in active soccer players, and perhaps in the history of the global game. While at 36 he’s no spring chicken, age is unlikely to affect him in the way it might other players. He’s never relied on searing pace or other athletic gifts, and the spatial awareness and off-the-ball movement upon which his game is built are things which improve with age.
Messi has already delivered a degree of success which had eluded Inter Miami before he arrived. There is every reason to believe that, managed properly, he could deliver greater prizes still before he ends his Stateside sojourn. What that means for Messi and Miami remains to be seen, but it will be fun to find out.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
USA Players Welcome
Min. Deposit: $5
Open BetMGM
Get bonus now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
USA Players Welcome
Wagering (WR): New DraftKings Customer Offer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES ($50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days for 21 days)*, Min. Deposit: 5
Open DraftKings
Get bonus now
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
USA Players Welcome
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit
Best Alternative
Open FanDuel
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
T&Cs apply
4.4/5
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
This site is using
Cloudflare
and adheres to the
Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted
Google's Privacy Guidelines
to keep your data safe at all times.
Close
Ready to Win Big? Join the Elite with Our Sports Betting Deals!
FanDuel Promo
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Best Slots
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
DraftKings Promo
New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES
Newcomer
T&Cs and 21+ apply
To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Code:
Open DraftKings
Get Bonus
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....
