Inter Miami and Messi prepare to kick off their monumental MLS Season
Inter Miami are preparing for a defining 2025 MLS season, with the weight of expectation heavier than ever. Following a historic 2024 campaign, which saw Lionel Messi take the league by storm, the club’s ambitions have grown. The upcoming season promises to test not only Messi’s aging legs but also the team’s ability to deliver on the world stage.
Their first match is set to take place against New York City FC on Saturday, February 24th, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Originally scheduled for an afternoon kick-off, the game was postponed due to severe weather conditions in Kansas City, which delayed Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup debut against Sporting Kansas City from Tuesday to Wednesday.
Lionel Messi is not keen on playing against Kansas City on Wednesday because of the weather!
— 365Scores (@365Scores) February 18, 2025
Inter Miami will have to make do without their Argentinian superstar. pic.twitter.com/XFzRs2u4gJ
Inter Miami and Messi – the last dance?
The Messi Effect: More Than Just Star Power
Lionel Messi’s arrival in 2023 was a game-changer for MLS. It instantly elevated the league’s profile, attracting global attention and a surge in ticket sales. But now, as Messi nears 38, the question remains: can the Argentine continue to carry the weight of expectation?
Last season, Messi’s performances were nothing short of exceptional when available, guiding Inter Miami to a remarkable run in the Leagues Cup. However, injuries and international commitments limited his impact in the regular season, leaving Inter Miami with mixed results. Despite this, the team set an MLS record for points, underscoring their potential when Messi is in form.
As the 2025 season kicks off, Messi’s availability will be crucial. Inter Miami will hope he can stay fit for the entirety of the season as they chase not only MLS glory but also a strong run in the FIFA Club World Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The biggest question: can Messi still be the difference-maker for Inter Miami, or will age and injuries begin to catch up with him?
A Changing of the Guard: Mascherano Takes Charge
Alongside Messi’s continued dominance, Inter Miami faces a crucial change in the dugout. Javier Mascherano, the former Argentina and Barcelona star, steps into the managerial hot seat for his first full-time club coaching role. His appointment marks a shift in philosophy from the experienced Tata Martino, who led the team during their trophy-winning run but stepped down after the season.
Mascherano’s history with many of Miami’s star players, including Messi, Busquets, Suarez, and Alba, could be a game-changer. Having played alongside these players at Barcelona, he understands their intricacies on the pitch better than anyone. His relationship with the Fab Four gives him a unique advantage, particularly when it comes to getting the best out of them for one last run at glory.
However, managing a high-profile team is a different challenge than playing in one, and the pressure will be intense for Mascherano to translate his experience into tangible success. Miami has one of the most talented rosters in the league, but that doesn’t guarantee success. How quickly Mascherano adapts to life as a head coach will be a major storyline in 2025.
OFFICIAL
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 26, 2024Javier Mascherano has been named the new head coach of Inter Miami! pic.twitter.com/SRCKC5nyun
The Aging Stars: One Last Dance?
While Messi might be the headline act, his fellow veterans—Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—are also entering what could be their final seasons in MLS. Each of them has made a significant impact on the pitch for Miami, with Suárez’s 21 goals and 10 assists last season being a particular highlight. However, as the calendar flips to 2025, all four of these key players are another year older, with none signed beyond the 2025 season.
Their age is a double-edged sword: their experience is invaluable, but the physical demands of an MLS season could take a toll. Suárez, in particular, showed signs of slowing down in 2024, while Busquets and Alba have occasionally struggled with injuries. With Messi set to turn 38 in mid-2025, the team’s fortunes will depend heavily on whether these aging stars can maintain their level of play throughout an intense season.
For Miami, this season is a last hurrah for their golden generation. The club will have to make the most of their remaining time together before a potential overhaul, which could include both roster changes and the shift towards a new era. Will this be the year they clinch their first-ever MLS Cup? Or will Father Time have the final say?
New Faces and Rising Talent
While the focus will undoubtedly remain on the veteran stars, Inter Miami’s success in 2025 will also depend on the development of their younger players. Last season, the club benefitted from solid contributions from Diego Gómez and Matías Rojas, but both players have moved on, leaving gaps in the squad.
In their place, new signings have arrived, with 25-year-old winger Tadeo Allende joining on loan from Celta Vigo. Allende brings a dynamic attacking option to the team, one that can complement the stars in attack. Miami also added youth to the defense, with 23-year-old Gonzalo Luján and 21-year-old midfielder Telasco Segovia making the move to Florida.
The importance of these new arrivals cannot be overstated. Mascherano’s defensive focus has already been evident in pre-season, with the club looking to shore up their defensive fragility from last season. If these younger players can step up and fill important roles, it could allow the aging stars to focus on what they do best: creating and finishing chances.
Benjamin Cremaschi, the 20-year-old American midfielder, is another player to watch. After an impressive 2024 season, the USMNT hopeful will be looking to solidify his place as a regular starter and provide additional creativity in the midfield.
Messi’s Growing Influence Beyond the Pitch
While Messi’s on-field influence is already undeniable, his impact off the field is growing by the day. Rumors of his potential involvement in Inter Miami’s ownership structure have swirled, with the possibility of Messi becoming a part-owner when his contract expires. His recent involvement in key off-field appointments, including the hiring of Guillermo Hoyos as sporting director, has further solidified his standing within the club.
Hoyos, a close confidante of Messi from their time together at Barcelona, will be charged with overseeing the club’s sporting operations. His hiring signals a shift in Inter Miami’s approach, with the club increasingly relying on Messi’s vision to shape its future.
Moreover, co-owner David Beckham’s long-standing ambition to establish a successful team in Miami will finally come to fruition this season. Inter Miami will play their final year at DRV PNK Stadium before moving into the new, purpose-built 25,000-seater stadium at Freedom Park in 2026. It will be a momentous occasion for the club, and Beckham will be hoping that this new era will be marked by major silverware.
A Season of Opportunity and Uncertainty
The 2025 season will be one of opportunity and uncertainty for Inter Miami. On paper, they have the talent to win it all, but the aging squad, the pressure on new manager Mascherano, and the ever-present injury concerns surrounding Messi make it a season filled with potential pitfalls. Miami’s hopes of winning multiple trophies hinge on how well the stars can perform and how quickly the new players can gel.
The team is also facing increased competition within MLS, with FC Cincinnati and LAFC making significant strides in the offseason. Cincinnati, in particular, look dangerous after a strong transfer window, while LAFC remain a perennial powerhouse in the league. Inter Miami cannot afford to rest on their laurels, as the road to MLS glory is fraught with obstacles.
But for now, all eyes will be on Messi and his team as they begin their journey towards greatness. Can they make it count in what could be their final chance to capture the ultimate prize in MLS? With the weight of expectation on their shoulders, this promises to be a season that will define the legacy of both Messi and Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi is reportedly reluctant to extend his contract with Inter Miami, as he is considering a return to Barcelona and live in the city
— 365Scores (@365Scores) January 31, 2025pic.twitter.com/7YKzCElpFw
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
Keep up with all the latest Inter Miami scores and news on the 365Scores website!
