Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, made headlines worldwide when he joined Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS) in July 2023. His arrival in Miami marked a new chapter in his illustrious career after his time at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Fans and pundits alike were eager to see how Messi would adapt to the MLS and what impact he would have on the league. A key aspect of his contribution is, of course, the number of goals he has scored for Inter Miami.
Messi’s Journey to Inter Miami
Before diving into Messi’s goal tally, it is essential to understand the context of his move to the United States. After leaving FC Barcelona in 2021 due to financial constraints faced by the club, Messi spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France’s Ligue 1. Despite winning multiple domestic titles, Messi’s time in Paris was seen as less impactful compared to his Barcelona days.
In 2023, Messi opted for a new challenge and joined Inter Miami, an MLS club co-owned by David Beckham. The move brought unprecedented attention to the league and significantly increased interest in Inter Miami. His arrival was also marked by a series of high-profile signings, including former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Messi’s Debut with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi made his highly anticipated debut for Inter Miami on July 21, 2023, in the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX. His first appearance came in a match against Cruz Azul, where he scored a stunning last-minute free-kick goal to secure a 2-1 victory for his team. The goal not only marked a memorable start to his career in the United States but also set the tone for his performances in subsequent games.
Messi’s Goal Tally for Inter Miami
As of October 2024, Lionel Messi’s goal tally for Inter Miami includes goals scored across various competitions: the Leagues Cup, Major League Soccer (MLS), and the U.S. Open Cup. Below is a detailed breakdown of his goals by competition:
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Leagues Cup (2023)
- Messi’s first set of goals for Inter Miami came during the 2023 Leagues Cup. He scored a total of 10 goals in 7 matches, helping Inter Miami win the tournament. His performances included multiple brace-scoring games and several clutch goals that were crucial in the knockout rounds.
- Messi’s goals helped Inter Miami secure its first-ever trophy, significantly boosting the club’s profile.
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Major League Soccer (MLS)
- After the conclusion of the Leagues Cup, Messi began playing in regular MLS fixtures. His presence on the field had an immediate impact, with the team showing a marked improvement in form.
- Up until October 2024, Messi has scored 11 goals in 18 MLS appearances. His goals came in various forms, including free-kicks, penalties, and open-play strikes, showcasing his versatility and technical brilliance.
- His goals have been instrumental in helping Inter Miami climb the league standings, as they were struggling before his arrival.
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U.S. Open Cup
- Messi also participated in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, the domestic cup competition in the United States. In this tournament, he scored 2 goals in 3 appearances, helping the team reach the final. Unfortunately, Messi was unavailable for the final due to injury, and Inter Miami lost to the Houston Dynamo.
Total Goals for Inter Miami
Combining his goal contributions across all competitions, as of October 2024, Lionel Messi has scored a total of 23 goals for Inter Miami. These goals have come in 28 appearances, giving him an impressive goal-per-game ratio of approximately 0.82. His performances have been instrumental in transforming the club’s fortunes, bringing silverware, and elevating the level of play within the team.
Impact of Messi’s Goals on Inter Miami’s Performance
Messi’s goal-scoring prowess has not only provided crucial victories but also rejuvenated a struggling Inter Miami side. Here are some ways in which his goals have impacted the team:
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Leagues Cup Success
- Messi’s 10 goals in the Leagues Cup were pivotal in guiding Inter Miami to the club’s first trophy. His ability to perform in critical moments, including scoring in the final against Nashville SC, established him as a game-changer for the team.
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Improved League Form
- Before Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami was languishing near the bottom of the MLS standings. His goals helped propel the team up the table, giving them a fighting chance for playoff qualification. His presence has also had a positive effect on his teammates, raising the overall level of play.
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Increased Attendance and Viewership
- The “Messi effect” has not only been limited to the pitch but has also influenced the commercial side of the club. His goals and overall performances have drawn larger crowds to matches and boosted television viewership for MLS games. This increased exposure has also benefited the league as a whole.
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Boosting Team Morale
- Beyond his goal-scoring, Messi’s leadership and experience have had a positive impact on team morale. His ability to score crucial goals in high-pressure situations has given the team a new sense of belief.
Challenges Messi Faced at Inter Miami
Despite his impressive goal-scoring record, Messi has faced some challenges at Inter Miami:
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Injuries
- Messi dealt with a few injury concerns during his time with the club, which caused him to miss several matches, including the U.S. Open Cup final. His absence during key games impacted the team’s overall performance.
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Adapting to MLS’s Physicality
- While Messi’s technical skills remain unmatched, adapting to the physical nature of MLS has been a challenge. The league is known for its intense pace and physicality, which differs from European leagues.
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Team Transition
- Inter Miami was a struggling team before Messi’s arrival. While his goals have helped improve the team’s performance, integrating new players and adjusting tactics to suit his style has been an ongoing process.
The Future: Messi’s Potential to Increase His Goal Tally
Looking forward, Messi is expected to continue adding to his goal tally for Inter Miami, especially as the club aims for more success in MLS and other competitions. With the expanded Club World Cup coming in 2025, Messi’s goals could help Inter Miami qualify for global tournaments and further elevate the club’s profile on the international stage.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has been a transformative moment for both the club and Major League Soccer. As of October 2024, Messi has scored 23 goals in 28 appearances for the club, with his contributions spanning the Leagues Cup, MLS, and U.S. Open Cup. His performances have been vital in securing Inter Miami’s first-ever trophy and significantly boosting the team’s competitiveness in domestic competitions.
Messi’s goals have not only impacted the club on the field but have also brought unprecedented attention to MLS, raising the profile of the league globally. As he continues to play and adapt, Messi’s goal tally for Inter Miami is likely to grow, further cementing his legacy in the history of the club and North American soccer.
