Major challenges ahead for Leo Messi and Inter Miami

Lionel Messi is now officially a new Inter Miami player and faces stern challenges with the club struggling in MLS this season.

Luis Guillermo Vázquezluis_lgazulPaul Reidypaulreidy67Update: Jul 17th, 2023 17:08 EDT

MIKE EHRMANNAFP

After the dust has settled on the party in Fort Lauderdale as Lionel Messi was officially unveiled as a new Inter Miami player, thoughts turn to the task at hand for the South Florida outfit with the Argentine captain in the ranks.

To new beginnings 💫 A special welcome for Leo to our city! pic.twitter.com/jA09IcTQMW

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 17, 2023

First up for the team is a Leagues Cup opener at the DRV PNK Stadium as the Herons face Liga MX side Cruz Azul on Friday with demand for tickets for Messi’s debut leading to crazy prices in the second hand ticket market.

The only realistic silverware on the table for Inter this season is a tilt at the Leagues Cup and the Herons have progressed to the semi-final stage of the US Open Cup for the first time in their short history but face a tough test as the travel to face FC Cincinnati in the semi-final.

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Messi’s Miami MLS challenge

Messi arrives with David Beckham’s team currently bottom of the MLS overall standings. The Miami side have 18 points, the product of five wins, three draws and 14 defeats.