The beginning of the (technically) inaugural edition of the Leagues Cup could not have gone any better. Days before the first match, Inter Miami and Major League Soccer would get their biggest transfer this summer, and definitively their biggest of all time.
Before Messi arrived, Miami was dead last in the Eastern Conference in MLS. Five wins, three draws, and 14 losses was enough to assume that Miami was bound to end their season early.
Since then Miami have played, and won their last four matches with Messi scoring seven goals in four games with Miami. It’s clear they are on a tear, and they now sit in the quarter-finals with two wins away from a shot at Miami’s first piece of silverware in their short history.
It seems the arrival of Messi has the team firing on all cylinders, especially with the likes of Robert Taylor and Josef Martinez who have stepped up to the plate, serving Messi goals and scoring some themselves.
With the arrival of Busquets and Jordi Alba, Miami has become a formidable opponent and their game in Dallas on Sunday proved they can still salvage their horrible season so far.
Miami’s Side of the Bracket
Luckily for Messi and friends, all the heavy hitters are on the other side of the bracket. LAFC and Monterrey to fight it out in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena before they get a shot at ruining Messi’s inaugural tournament.
As for Miami, they will have to fight off dark horses Charlotte FC, in hopes to keep the dream alive. If they manage to win with more Messi magic, the winner of Queretaro against Philadelphia await Miami.
What this title means to Messi
Winning the Leagues Cup would be one of Messi’s most impressive achievements. Taking the last placed MLS team and making them title contenders would be unheard of and could spur Miami into making the playoffs when the league resumes.
There is still a lot left to play for Miami, but with Messi on their side, it is starting to seem like nothing is impossible.