Lionel Messi returns to his adopted home of Miami on Friday to lead Argentina's charge in the World Cup last 32 against surprise package Cape Verde. The 39-year-old has already scored six goals in the group stages, becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 19 goals and extending his record scoring streak to seven consecutive matches.
Messi's Impact on Inter Miami and MLS
When Messi swapped top-level European football for Major League Soccer after winning the World Cup in Qatar, many believed he was headed for semi-retirement. Instead, he has defied expectations. Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham and only formed in 2018, had never won a trophy before Messi's arrival. His presence instantly made the franchise a destination for European stars. With former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi led Inter to victory in the Leagues Cup in his first season. Last year, Miami secured its first MLS title.
The Messi Effect in Miami
The influence of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner extends beyond the pitch. “Messi marked a before and after for what soccer means here. From 2023 onwards, everyone became an Inter fan,” says Juan Pugin, a coach at Revo Soccer Academy in Doral, near Miami. “We’ve really noticed it at the academy too. Many more kids have signed up to play the sport.”
Lily Diaz, a 69-year-old native of Buenos Aires now living in Miami, says Messi brings her closer to Argentina. “It’s a huge thrill to have Messi come play for Argentina. It’s a source of pride; he’s a role model as both an athlete and a human being,” she says. Diaz has already seen Messi play four times with Inter.
Fans Flock to Miami for World Cup
Johnny Fortes, 62, traveled from Buenos Aires to follow Argentina throughout the tournament. “I work an office job, but for a year-and-a-half, I drove a car at night so I could afford to come to the United States,” he says. “I made sacrifices, but it was worth it.”
At Buenos Aires Bakery, a popular Argentine restaurant, an entry fee of $15 and a $20 minimum spend allow fans to watch matches. Julian Franco, who moved from Catamarca to Buffalo three months ago, doesn't have a ticket for Friday's match but came to soak up the atmosphere. “You feel so excited watching Messi play,” he says. “Especially knowing that he has faced failures too. It gives you hope that not everything is lost — that you always have to give a little bit more to achieve what you want.”
