Football Season Guide

Inter Miami's 2023 season can be separated into two parts - before and after Messi. Phil Neville's reign as manager came to an end at the beginning of June after losing 10 of the first 15 MLS games to leave the Herons bottom of the Eastern Conference. Neville wasn't helped by a host of injuries, including a serious one to captain Gregore, but his sacking was inevitable at a club with lofty ambitions. The arrival of former Barcelona and Argentina head coach Tata Martino to replace Neville was a precursor of what was to come. In a watershed moment for American soccer, arguably the greatest player in the history of the game arrived in July and instantly sprinkled his magic on a flagging team. Lionel Messi debuted with a stunning free-kick winner in stoppage-time and went on to inspire Inter Miami to a near two month unbeaten run which brought the club its first piece of silverware in the Leagues Cup. Although it did feel like Messi was doing it single-handedly at times, the arrivals of his former Barcelona team-mates Jordi Alba and Sergi Busquets also played a huge role. At one point, it even looked like Miami could make the play-offs but an injury to Messi took the wind out of their sails and the season fizzled out. While the end of the last campaign was all about hope, 2024 is a year of expectation. Another ex-Barcelona superstar has arrived in Luis Suarez, along with MLS stalwart Julian Gressel. The defence looks a weak point with the departures of Kamal Miller and Chris McVey, but the Herons have enough quality going forward and a proven manager to challenge on all fronts. It will all hinge on how much playing time they can get out of Messi and their other ageing legends.