Messi's first MLS season ends with celebration
Lionel Messi’s first season with Inter Miami and Major League Soccer has officially come to an end.
Messi shared his eighth Ballon d’Or trophy and thanked Inter Miami fans in a short pregame celebration before Friday’s friendly against NYCFC at DRV PNK Stadium.
Fans in attendance chanted “Vamos, Messi” (Let’s go, Messi) in the second half, and Messi had a chance to score a free kick from about 25 yards out to tie the match in the final seconds.
But NYCFC spoiled the night, winning the friendly 2-1, in the first match for both sides since their MLS regular seasons ended without playoff berths on Oct. 21.
This night wasn’t about the result as much as it was about celebrating Messi’s impact in his brief four months with the American soccer club.
“For me, it’s something amazing to share with you,” Messi said after carrying out his golden trophy, the eighth of his career – more than any other player.
“I’ve been here for a short period, but it feels like a long time. Like I said at the beginning, I never doubted we were going to enjoy our time here and now I have no doubts that next year it’s going to be even better.”
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas counted the days – 122 of them – since Messi, his wife Antonella, and their children landed at a small airport just yards from the club’s pitch.
Mas called Messi “the greatest player to ever live” and “the world’s greatest No. 10.”
“This football club was created on a dream, a dream that South Florida would house the greatest football team this country had ever seen,” Mas said. “It has been our aspiration and our goal, that when football is talked about in America, that people think and believe in Miami.”
Since Messi joined the club, Inter Miami’s popularity has risen exponentially, along with the sale of pink and black Inter Miami No. 10s and viewership on Apple TV worldwide.
Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup title in August, the club’s first championship in its short history. Inter Miami finished second in the U.S. Open Cup, but failed to make the MLS postseason.
Messi scored 11 goals and assisted five more times in 14 appearances for Inter Miami, but the club finished its season winless in its last seven games (not including the friendly).
Even though Messi’s season did not end in a success for Inter Miami, it was a rousing one for MLS.
“You, Inter Miami fans, have the best player to ever play the game,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said during the celebration.
“Thank you, Lionel, for your belief in Major League Soccer and making your club and our league a league of choice.”
Messi will join Argentina for two more World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay in Buenos Aires on Nov. 16, and Brazil at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Nov. 21.
Messi isn’t expected to rejoin Inter Miami until they begin preparing for next season in January with an arduous schedule, highlighted by the CONCACAF Champions League, Leagues Cup, U.S. Open Cup and MLS season. Messi could also play in the Copa America tournament with Argentina next year, too.
“We are going to keep enjoying, keep winning titles and I hope you can support us like you have since I arrived,” Messi said. “It has been amazing and next year we have important tournaments to face together.”