Can Lionel Messi Guide Inter Miami to MLS Cup Glory in 2025?
Can Lionel Messi Guide Inter Miami to MLS Cup Glory in 2025?
Lionel Messi is considered the greatest footballer of the modern era and one of the most decorated players in professional soccer. He is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, 3x FIFA Men’s Player of the Year and holds the record for the most goals and assists in La Liga history during his hugely successful spell with Barcelona. Messi’s career also encompasses numerous international accolades, including a recent triumph in the FIFA World Cup. He is a highly recognisable figure to those who do not follow soccer and although his blistering pace has waned, he still can produce magical moments which captivate the fans.
Bet365’s Odds of 7/2 are predicting a 22% chance that Lionel Messi can guide Inter Miami to MLS Cup success in 2025 ::: Discover the current Odds now HERE
Messi at Inter Miami
Following a summer of speculation, Lionel Messi was announced at Inter Miami in July 2023, occupying their designated player slot. He signed a contract to keep him at the club until the end of the 2025 season. The Argentine declared himself ‘proud’ of his achievements during his debut campaign in Major League Soccer and ended the campaign with 11 goals during the regular season, managing to score in seven straight league games throughout April and May.
Messi has always been famed for his goalscoring prowess, yet he also has the ability to create chances for his teammates and broke the record for the number of assists in a single match in his side’s decisive 6-2 victory over New York Red Bulls at the start of May.
The 37-year old has enjoyed playing alongside former teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets and he has also been able to connect with former strike partner Luis Suarez.
His spell in Miami hasn’t always been straightforward with a number of injury lay-offs results in frustrating spells on the sidelines, yet he has still been able to lift the performances of those around him and his presence has given The Herons plenty of global recognition and reignited interest in Major League Soccer.
View this post on Instagram
The 2025 MLS Season
Although Inter Miami have been competing in friendlies throughout January, the regular season will get underway at the end of February. The Herons first game will be against New York FC in Fort Lauderdale. Messi’s first game on the road will take place in Texas with a trip to Houston Dynamo at the beginning of March.
There will be 34 regular matches throughout the duration of the season. The league will take a pause in mid-June for the Club World Cup, a competition in which Messi’s men have been drawn alongside FC Porto, Al Ahly and Palmeiras in Group A.
The League Cup will take place between the end of July and the end of August before the league will recommence at the beginning of September. Decision Day takes place on October 18th and will be followed by the end-of-season play-offs.
What are the expectations of Inter Miami?
Inter Miami have a new coach ahead of the 2025 season with legendary midfielder Javier Mascherano, replacing Tata Martino. The franchise have also overseen a mass clearout of players during the offseason with seven players having departed. The 1st round play-off exit was deemed unsatisfactory by the club’s hierarchy despite claiming a regular season victory. Major League Soccer’s visibility has significantly improved as a result of Messi’s arrival and they will also be hoping that Inter Miami can make it through to the MLS Cup Final this time around.
With the Club World Cup, Leagues Cup and CONCACAF Champions League to negotiate, the roster is likely to be significantly stretched throughout the campaign.
Messi’s minutes will have to be managed throughout the season in order to preserve his fitness and to get the maximum from the iconic Argentine.
Inter Miami’s MLS Cup Rivals
New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy contested the 2024 MLS Cup final last season and both teams are likely to be heavily involved once again. Atlanta United, who eliminated Inter Milan from last season’s play-offs, will also be amongst the main protagonists once again. Los Angeles FC have a hugely talented roster and are the second favourites with the bookmakers whereas Columbus Crew, under the wily management of Wilfried Nancy could be surprise winners in 2025.
If you believe that Inter Miami will finish top of the Eastern Conference in 2025, you could win €225 by betting €100 at Bet365 if it happens.Â
