Miami are right to protect Messi - football needs its GOAT

Football continues to rely on the presence of Lionel Messi, emphasizing the responsibility of Inter Miami to support and extend the legendary player's remarkable career in the midst of extraordinary enthusiasm from MLS fans.


The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi, is not contemplating retirement anytime soon, which is welcomed news for football enthusiasts. Speaking on the 'Big Time' podcast, Messi emphasized the importance of rest as he navigates the challenges of aging in the sport. Despite facing fitness struggles, Messi remains candid and composed, displaying his trademark honesty during a recent interview aired in Saudi Arabia.

Messi reiterated his commitment to the game, stating that he will only consider retirement when he feels unable to contribute or enjoy playing. He emphasized his self-awareness regarding his performance levels and stated that age will not dictate his decision to retire; rather, it will depend on how he feels physically and mentally.

Despite some injury setbacks, the 36-year-old has had a promising start to the new MLS season, contributing four goals in his first three appearances. However, he has faced disruptions due to minor injuries throughout his time at DRV PNK Stadium. Despite this, fans from around the globe continue to eagerly purchase tickets for Inter Miami games, only to face disappointment when Messi's participation is hindered by injury.

Messi's immense popularity makes him a central attraction in soccer, placing significant pressure on Miami to ensure his regular participation. However, the club has thus far prioritized Messi's long-term well-being over immediate financial gains. It's crucial that this approach remains unchanged, not only to support MLS's ongoing expansion but also to uphold the integrity of the sport on a global scale.

Unrealistic expectations

Inter Miami experienced a remarkable surge in ticket sales for both home and away games throughout the 2024 MLS season, with all tickets being sold out as early as November. Despite doubling prices for seats in certain sections of their stadium compared to the previous season, demand remained high. The club's value has soared to over $1 billion, with a significant increase of $400 million since Lionel Messi's arrival last summer. Messi's groundbreaking revenue-sharing deal with Apple has also contributed to a substantial rise in MLS viewership.

The phenomenon of Messi's presence has captivated the United States, drawing attention from sports icons like LeBron James and Novak Djokovic, as well as globally recognized celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Halle Berry, and Selena Gomez. This unprecedented level of fanfare has led to high expectations from supporters, despite Messi consistently delivering impressive performances.

In addition to their MLS commitments, Inter Miami will defend their 2023 Leagues Cup title, largely attributed to Messi's brilliance. They also have obligations in the US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup. Manager Tata Martino's priority is to win every competition, but he will strategically rest Messi to ensure his availability for crucial matches, prioritizing the player's well-being over potential criticism.

Avoiding 'serious risks'

Miami embarked on a highly anticipated tour of Asia spanning January and February, with Lionel Messi as the star attraction. However, the attempt to expand their global presence quickly turned into a public relations disaster when Messi suffered a muscle injury. While Messi featured in the first two games against Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, he only played for seven minutes in the latter. Subsequently, Messi didn't even make an appearance in a friendly match against a Hong Kong All-Star team, sparking outrage.

David Beckham, who played a crucial role in bringing Messi to the U.S. as a co-owner of Miami, attempted to address the disappointed crowd of 40,000 after a 4-1 win but was met with boos. The Hong Kong government demanded an explanation for Messi's absence from the match.

Manager Tata Martino defended the decision, stating that it was made in consultation with the medical staff to avoid exacerbating Messi's injury risk. Despite Martino's explanation, controversy persisted, particularly after Messi's brief appearance in Miami's final game against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times criticized Messi's cameo, questioning the integrity of Inter Miami and Messi himself. Organizers even offered a 50 percent refund to fans who attended the match.

Despite the uproar, Miami's decision to prioritize Messi's well-being over risking his fitness for the start of the MLS season reflects loyalty to their prized asset. This loyalty could play a significant role in prolonging Messi's illustrious career.

Miami's quarterback

Miami's cautious approach with Messi has proven beneficial initially, with the Argentine producing dazzling performances to propel Martino's side to the top of the Eastern Conference. However, he has been sidelined for the last four MLS games due to ongoing muscle issues. Additionally, Messi had to withdraw from Argentina's March friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica. Martino emphasized the need for a week-by-week assessment of Messi's injury, with the ultimate goal of his participation in the CONCACAF quarterfinals.

Miami is gearing up to face Monterrey in the first leg of their Champions Cup quarter-final, with hopes of Messi's return to the starting lineup. This situation serves as a learning experience for both the club and the player, who has historically managed to avoid major injury setbacks.

A key factor in Messi's success at Barcelona was his meticulous care for his body. He has also adeptly adapted his playing style over the years, transitioning from a dynamic winger to a false nine and later to a wide playmaker before embracing a quarterback-like role.
While there has been scrutiny over Messi's walking pace during matches in his later career phase, it's a strategic approach to conserve energy for decisive moments in the final third. Despite this adaptation, Messi remains unparalleled in his ability to captivate audiences with his electrifying performances.

Perfect balance

In an interview with ESPN in August, Messi reflected on his decision to join Miami, expressing his desire to rediscover enjoyment in both his personal and professional life after a challenging two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Despite facing difficulties during his time in the French capital, Messi emphasized his contentment with his current situation, highlighting the joy he finds in his family life and the overall lifestyle in Miami.

While Messi's tenure at PSG has been scrutinized, it cannot be deemed a complete failure. He secured consecutive Ligue 1 titles, contributed significantly with goals and assists, and led Argentina to victory in the World Cup. His triumphant performance in Qatar 2022 effectively settled the debate over the greatest of all time (GOAT) and positioned him for an eighth Ballon d'Or win. With nothing left to achieve in European football, Messi made the decision to move to MLS, prioritizing a balanced life between soccer and family.

Despite offers from European clubs, including a potential return to Barcelona and interest from Manchester City and Inter, Messi prioritized longevity and peace of mind. Miami offered him a two-and-a-half year contract, extendable to the end of 2026, aligning with the upcoming World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. While Messi had hinted at retirement from international football after Qatar, his move to Miami has revitalized his outlook, leaving open the possibility of a final swansong on the global stage.

Conclusion

Messi's transition to MLS hasn't altered his winning mentality or his ability to influence games when his team is in trouble, a trait he has exhibited throughout his career. According to Martino, Messi's desire to compete and win remains unwavering, mirroring his approach since his days at Barcelona. Messi's move to Inter Miami isn't a signal of him winding down towards retirement; rather, he aims to add more trophies to his illustrious career and elevate the profile of MLS to unprecedented levels.

Above all, Messi seeks to enjoy playing football, and witnessing a content and joyful Messi on the pitch remains a captivating spectacle for football fans worldwide. Inter Miami is committed to creating an environment where Messi can thrive, and their efforts in this regard deserve recognition. Beckham and his team are dedicated to preserving Messi, the game's most valuable asset, even if it means taking precautions to protect him from injuries. Messi's uniqueness is unparalleled, and the club fully appreciates the privilege of having him in their ranks.