Inter Miami Reinvents Itself with Messi's Impact, Aims for MLS Dominance

Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami has been transformative, elevating the club from one of Major League Soccer's least successful and least recognized teams to a global powerhouse often likened to 'the Real Madrid of MLS.' Former teammate Josef Martinez and others have highlighted the surge in media attention, fan engagement, and on-field performance that accompanied Messi, with previously underperforming players improving markedly. Messi’s leadership and competitiveness have been credited with raising team morale and ambition, even as the squad continues to regroup after recent setbacks, such as their Champions Cup elimination. Despite some recent frustrations, Messi and Inter Miami remain focused on challenging for MLS top spots, with strong performances like their recent 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. Critics who label Messi's stint a failure have been rebutted by figures such as Alexi Lalas, who point to his immediate impact, trophy wins, and impressive scoring and assist tallies. As Messi continues to influence both the game’s popularity and the team’s trajectory, his presence is seen as a catalyst for growth in American soccer.