Hopes are sky high in South Florida that the new look Herons with Messi on board can challenge for the 2024 MLS title next season.
Paul Reidypaulreidy67Update: Nov 11th, 2023 12:26 EST
CARMEN MANDATOAFP
2023 was the best-attended year in MLS history as fans flocked to stadiums across the country as the game continues to grow Stateside with many in the soccer community looking forward to the 2026 World Cup as another opportunity to grow the sport.
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Portland Timbers fans Troy WayrynenUSA TODAY Sports
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami last July was another shot in the arm for MLS with the Argentine’s arrival coinciding with the launch of the Leagues Cup which pitted MLS sides with sides from Liga MX.
Messi’s effect was immediate and late goals, accomplished performances and solid leadership propelling Tata Martino’s team to win the club’s first ever silverware as they beat Nashville SC in the final.
The Messi effect wasn’t confined to Florida with the Argentine assuring that every away game for the Herons was a sell out as fans clamoured to see the striker at close quarters.
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Lionel Messi Marlon PachecoEFE
What’s on the cards for the Herons in 2024?
Apart from competing in the MLS regular season and the MLS Open Cup, Tata Martino’s men will also be looking to defend their Leagues Cup title and for the first time ever in the club’s short history, the Florida based outfit will participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup. As Leagues Cup winners, the Herons will be involved in action as early as February 2024 with the club already looking at freshening up and strengthening the squad.
THE GR8TEST 🐐Felicidades, Messi 👏 pic.twitter.com/xA0CniIBKU
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 11, 2023
Watching Messi in 2024
Back in September, Inter Miami fans were notified by the club in an increase in the price of the club’s season tickets for the 2024 season. The price hike means the MLS outfit is now more expensive to watch than Real Madrid, Barcelona and every club in the Premier League.
