Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi has called on his team-mates to “come back stronger next year” after their shock MLS Cup play-offs defeat led to questions over the nine-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future.
In a seismic upset on Sunday, the runaway Eastern Conference champions went out of the play-offs at the first hurdle with a 3-2 home defeat against Atlanta United, who finished 34 points and eight positions below them in the regular campaign.
“A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and, although we achieved some goals, we wanted more,” Messi said on social media.
“Thanks to all the people who joined and supported us. Now let’s get ready to come back stronger next year.”
CABEZAZO DEL MEJOR DE TODOS LOS TIEMPOS ‼️🐐✨ pic.twitter.com/r1AkXEYI2j
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 10, 2024
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Will Messi stay at Miami?
Messi has contributed 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 appearances in his second season with the MLS club since leaving Paris St-Germain.
Miami manager Gerardo Martino was inevitably asked about his star player’s future after their quest for a first MLS Cup ended.
“I actually don’t know,” Martino conceded when it was put to him that time might be dwindling on Messi’s stay in the US. “Looking at the context in which this began, it’s clear the club’s progress has been significant.”
The points gap between Miami and Atlanta was the largest ever between teams facing each other in the play-offs. The Five Stripes lost the first game at Inter in the best-of-three contest and came from behind to prevail in the second at home, scoring a 94th-minute winner.
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Lionel Messi contract, salary
The 37-year-old, who remains the most high-profile player in the world alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, has a contract with Miami that runs until the end of 2025 with an option for an extra year.
Speaking to Marca after Messi’s arrival was announced in June 2023, Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said the Argentina skipper would earn up to $60 million a year.
Messi’s purported playing salary of up to $20.4m is considerably more than any other player in the US and is heftily increased by holding equity in the club and payments from league broadcasters Apple.
Miami’s play-offs exit is a blow for the MLS and Apple, with Messi by far their most marketable star and viewing figures boosted hugely when the World Cup winner plays.
