Lionel Messi's arrival was the MLS story of 2023, but expectations will be much higher for him and Inter Miami in his second season.
No matter. Whatever team ends up posing for pictures following the Dec. 9 championship match, the story of Major League Soccer’s 2023 season is all about the GOAT.
Messi came off the bench in his first appearance for Miami, on July 21, and in an introduction beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, scored a spectacular free kick in stoppage time to beat Mexico’s, as Miami took the title. Less than a month into his stay in America, Messi had already led his new team to a major trophy.There was a steep price to pay for that instant success.
However disappointed Messi was, it didn’t show: he scored twice in Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win in Peru on Oct. 17, then went 90 minutes in Miami’s season finale, a 1-0 loss in Charlotte last weekend. Messi, perhaps for the first time as a pro, will get an extended break after that. He recently ended any speculation that he’ll head back to Barça on loan this winter, meaning he ought to be rested, healthy and fresh when he reports for Miami’s preseason camp.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lionel Messi is a finalist for the MLS Newcomer of the Year awardLionel Messi is a finalist for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award. The league announced the finalists for its season awards on Thursday. The league plans to announce the winners through its MLS Cup Playoffs.
Read more »
Lionel Messi is a finalist for the MLS Newcomer of the Year awardLionel Messi is a finalist for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award
Read more »
Lionel Messi es nominado al premio al Debutante del Año de la MLSLionel Messi del Inter Miami es finalista al galardón al Debutante del Año de la Major League Soccer.
Read more »
Messi a finalist for MLS award despite playing only 6 gamesLionel Messi has been nominated as one of three finalists for MLS' newcomer of the year award, despite playing in just league matches during his debut season with Inter Miami.
Read more »
24 Saks Fifth Avenue Black Friday Deals You Can Shop Early in 2023Ready to shop the Saks Fifth Avenue Black Friday sale? The retailer's early deals have arrived—from warm coats to fine jewelry. Shop Vogue-approved picks now.
Read more »
Melanoma Updates From ASCO 2023: PD-1 and LAG-3Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD, discusses updates related to melanoma practice and care from ASCO 2023.
Read more »