2023-07-17 21:16:21
That’s how bad Messi’s new team is
Mega reception and fan riot! Messi madness in Miami
Lionel Messi is introduced at Inter Miami. A big challenge awaits the superstar with his new team.
Superstar Lionel Messi is about to enter the next chapter in his career.
The Argentine, who previously played for Paris Saint-Germain, signed a contract with Inter Miami in the MLS on Saturday.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to grow this wonderful project,” said Messi, who is expected to earn around €54m a year in the US was officially presented on Sunday.
Messi is there, those responsible are also cheering
Inter Miami in crisis
His future team-mates showed on Saturday what they can – or cannot: Under new coach Gerardo Martino, who also made his debut, Miami lost 3-0 at St. Louis Cityhas gone eleven games without a win.
The most recent success so far dates back to May 14, when Inter beat New England Revolution 2-1. Since then it has suffered eight defeats, and Miami has drawn three times.
The result of that slide: the Florida franchise, helmed by owner David Beckham, is at the bottom of the East with only five wins from 22 games. The probability of reaching the playoffs is getting smaller and smaller.
David Beckham oversees fortunes at Inter Miami
Messi meets old friends
For clarity: The first seven teams of each conference qualify directly for the playoffs, two other teams can prove themselves in the wildcard round.
“It’s about working together to achieve the goals that have been set and I’m really looking forward to helping out here in my new home,” Messi said on Saturday, despite the complicated situation.
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In Miami he meets a diverse team, where at least one familiar face will await him: Sergio Busquets also joined the Floridians in the summer. The two played together at FC Barcelona for years and set countless records. Ex-Barca star Jordi Alba may soon be added.
Keeper conceded 36 goals in 22 games
In addition to Busquets, there are hardly any prominent names in the team. At least DeAndre Yedlin, who laced his shoes for Tottenham, Newcastle and Galatasaray and once celebrated his national team debut under Jürgen Klinsmann, is in action as a right-back.
Goalkeeper Drake Callender, who has made 22 appearances this MLS season, is a perennial favorite.
The 25-year-old American has been playing for Miami since 2019, in the meantime he was loaned to Fort Lauderdale. He has conceded 36 goals in 22 games this season.
Drake Callender is a keeper at Inter Miami
Inter’s top scorer is Josef Martínez. The 30-year-old Venezuelan played 20 MLS games this season and scored six goals. In Europe he was active for the Young Boys Bern, FC Thun and FC Turin.
Messi the oldest player
Behind comes Leonardo Campana with four goals. The 22-year-old from Ecuador was previously under contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers and has been loaned out several times, including to Inter, who he permanently strengthened for 2.7 million euros last January.
At 36, Messi is the team’s oldest player. He is followed by Busquets (35) and keeper Nick Marsman (32), who has not yet played this season. The youngest player in the franchise is US central defender Tyler Hall (17) – also without a game this season.
High expectations for Messi
“We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league for the best players in the business,” said league boss Don Garber recently.
Messi’s first outing is set to take place on July 21when Miami takes on Mexican club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
MLS will not resume until August. The playoffs begin in October.
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