Messi set for MLS spotlight
World Soccer|March 2024
The Argentine and his Inter Miami team-mates will dominate the MLS headlines in a big year for North American football
JAMES NALTON
Messi set for MLS spotlight

Reunited in Miami…Lionel Messi with former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets

The 2024 Major League Soccer season will be one of settling into a new era, preparing to ride the wave generated by what will be some of the biggest soccer moments seen on North American shores. It’s an era of Lionel Messi, Apple TV and the hosting of high-profile international tournaments.

The 2024 season will be Messi’s first proper MLS campaign. Though he arrived at Inter Miami last year, his initial involvement was in the midseason Leagues Cup tournament, which Miami won. But having joined with the 2023 season already well underway, his league exploits were limited to a late cameo.

Miami finished 27th out of 29 teams last year but still qualified for the Champions Cup (CONCACAF’s version of the Champions League) thanks to that Messi-inspired Leagues Cup success. They go from being the third-worst team in the league to favourites to win it.

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