Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami and MLS After Playoff Disappointment
The year 2023 was historic in many ways for Major League Soccer (MLS), but possibly nothing grabbed the world’s attention more than the arrival of Lionel Messi. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his way to the U.S. to sign with Inter Miami, offering a massive boost to MLS in terms of celebrity power and global viewership. While Messi’s arrival brought a palpable buzz and much-anticipated promise of success, the reality didn’t completely match the fairytale. Despite star-studded moments, Inter Miami’s season ended on a somber note. The team failed to make the playoffs, leaving plenty of questions and an open road to reflect on Messi’s influence and next steps in his MLS journey.
Alexi Lalas, former U.S. men’s national soccer team player turned soccer analyst, had plenty to say about Messi’s debut MLS season and the situation Inter Miami find themselves in. According to Lalas, the missed opportunity in the playoffs should not come as a surprise to fans or even Messi himself. But as one chapter ends without proper closure, another one begins—especially for Messi and the legacy he’s cultivating in America.
A Season Defined by Messi’s Star Power, but Not Team Success
Let’s face it—Messi arriving at Inter Miami felt like a scene out of a Hollywood script. A team struggling at the bottom of the league suddenly has arguably the greatest soccer player of all time on their roster. All eyes were eagerly fixated on how Messi would take MLS by storm. And in some ways, he did.
Messi’s impact was immediate, especially as he led Inter Miami to win the Leagues Cup—a tournament that involves both MLS and Liga MX clubs. Fans saw glimpses of the Messi magic they had long admired throughout his time at FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. His spectacular goals and playmaking made Miami appear nearly invincible during that midseason stretch.
But here’s the kicker: things weren’t as smooth in MLS regular-season action. Messi’s influence was large, but the numbers couldn’t shake Miami’s poor form. After signing Messi in mid-July, many believed an MLS playoff berth was a certainty. That belief, however, clashed with the reality on the ground.
For better or worse, soccer remains a team game, and even the presence of Messi wasn’t enough to completely turn around an otherwise struggling roster. Injuries took their toll—on Messi and several of his key teammates. As a result, Miami’s league play stagnated. Despite considerable improvement under new coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Miami finished the 2023 season 14th in the Eastern Conference, well outside the playoff picture.
Alexi Lalas on Why Messi’s Playoff Absence Isn’t a Big Deal
While some fans were heartbroken at Inter Miami’s failure to make the MLS playoffs, Lalas was quick to offer perspective. In his eyes, the team’s playoff miss doesn’t necessarily reflect Messi’s failure to adapt to MLS—it’s just one setback in a long process of building something greater.
“Nobody should fall off their chair over this,” Lalas said while analyzing Miami’s struggles. He emphasized that one player, even someone as extraordinary as Messi, cannot singlehandedly carry a team to success in a league defined by parity and more diverse talent than it’s often given credit for.
Lalas believes Messi’s debut MLS season should be looked at as a powerful foundation laid for something bigger down the road. Here are some reasons why:
- Messi had an obvious on-field impact – Regardless of the playoff results, Messi’s presence electrified not only Inter Miami but also the entire league. He scored goals that defied imagination and elevated the level of play in the moments he was fully fit and in control.
- MLS gained instant global recognition – Messi brought with him a legion of international fans and media attention. Suddenly, MLS games were being discussed on a worldwide scale, and Inter Miami’s “pink shirt” became a must-have in soccer circles.
- Off-season to regroup – With more time to rest, settle, and build a proper roster around him, Lalas feels Messi and Miami could be dangerous in 2024.
What’s Next? Everything Still Hinges on Messi
Even with the disappointing league finish, Inter Miami’s ambitions remain sky-high. Messi’s arrival was never about a one-and-done season. The expectation is that he’ll continue to champion the club’s development, taking them to new heights.
There are a few key milestones to watch next year. First and foremost, Messi’s fitness will be crucial. This year saw Messi in and out of the lineup during the critical final months, and his health—especially as he approaches 37—will play a massive factor. Miami will likely make moves to reinforce the squad around him, most notably building better depth in key positions, something the team struggled with this season.
There’s also the possibility of Messi continuing to grow MLS’s appeal globally. With more international eyes on the league, sponsorships, ad deals, and TV rights are expected to soar. This could bring in more money to lure talent into MLS, turning it into a more competitive force within the soccer world.
Beyond that, Messi has publicly hinted at potentially playing for the Argentine national team in the 2024 Copa America, making any club struggles pale in comparison to an international swansong on one of the world’s biggest stages. Whether or not he suits up for Argentina once again, he will likely remain a busy man both on and off the field, but the potential of winning an MLS Cup remains a realistic goal to check off Messi’s long list of accomplishments.
Lalas’ Final Thoughts: The Window Isn’t Closed
By the end of his reflections on Inter Miami’s tumultuous 2023 season, Alexi Lalas circled back to what he considers the key takeaway: this isn’t the end for Messi in MLS—far from it.
Lalas commented, “Messi knows how to win. Anyone panicking about Miami’s failure to make the playoffs needs to chill. Messi’s never done being successful.” His calm words serve as a reminder that greatness takes time, even for the best in the world.
Messi’s absence from this year’s playoffs may sting right now, but Lalas is confident that the Argentine genius will return next season stronger, better-prepared, and more accustomed to the unique demands of MLS play.
Inter Miami fans, meanwhile, should remain hopeful. In soccer, patience often pays off, and when it comes to Messi, betting against him is rarely smart. Lalas warned fans not to be alarmed by the early roadblocks on Inter Miami’s playoff journey. In many ways, 2023 was laying the foundation for a far bigger and better story—one in which Messi could lift the MLS Cup in the near future.
However things pan out, one thing is guaranteed: Messi is not just a player—he’s a movement. His presence is already reshaping American soccer, and his path at Inter Miami still holds the promise of future glory. The missed playoffs aren’t the final chapter of Messi’s time in MLS. They’re just a temporary bump on what could be a historic road ahead.
Originally Written by: Jim Reineking
