Lionel Messi won with Inter Miami at the start. © APA / MEGAN BRIGGS

Messi wins with Inter Miami at the start of the MLS season

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to an opening win in Major League Soccer. The world champion didn't score a goal in the 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake, but he was directly involved in his team's two goals.

22. February 2024

From: dpa/sn

Messi provided the assist for Robert Taylor's 1-0 in the 39th minute, and Diego Gomez made it 2-0 (83') with a pass to his friend Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan is now the fourth former FC Barcelona professional to play for co-owner David Beckham's team, alongside Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

“I'm happy, the first game at home is important,” said Suárez on US television and said to the Barça quartet: “We want to enjoy life and help Inter Miami win titles this year.” Miami is for Betting provider is the absolute top favorite for the US soccer cups.

Jordi Alba (l.) and Sergio Busquets also play for Inter Miami. © APA / RICH STORRY

For the eight-time world footballer Messi, who was recently held back by health problems and played through this time, it will probably be the first full season for Inter Miami. Major League Soccer bases its season on the calendar year, and Messi moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Florida in the summer - halfway through the season. He scored eleven goals in his 14 competitive games for Miami and led the team to the first title in its history with victory in the Leagues Cup. In the MLS, however, he was only used six times and only scored one goal. He was no longer able to lead Miami into the playoffs. His contract, worth around $150 million, runs until the end of the 2025 season.