The regular season of Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to begin on February 22, with Inter Miami hosting Real Salt Lake at DRV PNK Stadium.
Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and soccer legend, made his debut for Inter Miami in the latter part of the previous season.
The team ended up in 14th place within the Eastern Conference during the previous season, their poorest performance since becoming part of MLS in 2020.
They, however, managed to clinch the Leagues Cup title by defeating Nashville SC on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Messi's arrival brought increased fan interest and media attention, with Inter Miami seeing a surge in ticket sales and jersey sales.
He also helped boost Apple TV (MLS' media partner) subscriptions.
The Impact of Lionel Messi on American Soccer
The MLS is sanctioned by the US Soccer Federation, representing the sport's highest level in the United States.
Messi's arrival in the United States has been seen as a turning point for American soccer, attracting more attention to the sport and raising its profile both domestically and internationally.
The Argentine star's presence could also pave the way for other top international players to consider joining MLS, potentially increasing competition and improving the overall quality of play in the league.
As a matter of fact, the most recent twist for the 29th season of the MLS is that of Inter Miami signing Luis Suarez, a close friend of Messi.
Inter Miami offered me a nice opportunity to dream of winning the club's first MLS title, to play with big players, who everybody knows, and adapt to my new team and club
Luis Suarez
In their most recent pre-season match against Newell's Old Boys, Messi was able to play for 45 minutes, providing an emotional reunion with his boyhood club; but Inter Miami's pre-season saw them having just one victory in eight friendly matches.
Despite this, the team remains optimistic about their chances in the upcoming MLS season, especially with Messi leading the charge and playing alongside former teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
With Messi at the helm, Inter Miami is looking to put last season's disappointing results behind them.
Messi's involvement is expected to bring stability and morale to the team.
Their ultimate goal is to secure a place in the MLS Cup Playoffs and compete for the title.
The team will face some tough opponents, including New York City FC and Atlanta United.
The MLS Regular Season
The 2024 MLS regular season is set to run until October, with the MLS Cup Playoffs commencing in late October.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming MLS season and the prospect of watching Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami to success.
Messi will be eager to make a significant impact in his first full season with the team.
Tickets for the opening match against Real Salt Lake have already sold out, underscoring the excitement surrounding the team and its star player.
Predictions for the MLS Eastern Conference Standings put Inter Miami on third, next to Atlanta United and the New York Red Bulls. Last season's MLS Cup Final winner Columbus Crew is pegged at 4th, and Orlando City SC on 5th.
The standings prediction is based on current rosters and previous performances of each team.
It's important to note that this is just a prediction, and the final standings will depend on various factors including injuries, form, and in-game tactics.
The Conference Semifinals are scheduled for November, followed by the Conference Finals in early December.
The MLS Cup final is expected to take place on December 7.
As the MLS campaign gets underway, fans across the United States and beyond will be keeping a close eye on Inter Miami and Lionel Messi as they aim to make history in American soccer.
