Lionel Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami’s Ambitions in the Americas and Beyond
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has sent ripples of excitement across the football world, with the club setting its sights on becoming a dominant force in the Americas and making their mark on the global stage by progressing to the UEFA Champions League. The signing of Messi, often considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, signifies a bold step towards achieving these aspirations.
Currently, Inter Miami is in negotiations to secure the services of defender Sergio Ramos. The former Real Madrid captain could potentially reunite with Messi on American soil, further solidifying the club’s star-studded roster.
Ramos, having spent two seasons at PSG alongside Messi, is currently a free agent seeking a new club after his contract with the Parisian club expired. Reports from Spain’s Sport indicate that Inter Miami, under the ownership of David Beckham, is on the verge of finalizing a contract with the experienced defender. While Ramos has also been linked to a move to Saudi Arabia, particularly Al-Nassr, where his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is currently playing, it seems he might favor a move to the United States over the Middle East. A deal with Inter Miami would see him once again team up with Lionel Messi.
Notably, other clubs like Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Neymar’s Al Hilal, and Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad are also rumored to be in contact with Ramos, aiming to bring him back to the Arabian Gulf’s SPL.
Furthermore, there’s a potential reunion in the works for Inter Miami as Andres Iniesta, another Barcelona legend, is reportedly being courted by the MLS side. The Catalan midfielder has received an offer from Inter Miami, which could see him reunite with his former teammates Messi and Sergio Busquets, who have already joined the ranks of David Beckham’s team.
Iniesta’s journey from Barcelona to Vissel Kobe saw him accumulate an impressive 30 titles, both major and minor. However, at the age of 39, Iniesta’s physical prowess has somewhat diminished, leading to fewer opportunities on the pitch for Vissel Kobe during the 2022/23 season. Despite approaching his 40s, Iniesta’s professional drive remains strong, prompting him to express his desire for a new challenge. His Japanese club accepted his wish, allowing him to seek new horizons.
With Messi successfully on board, Inter Miami’s strategy revolves around building a team that orbits the Argentine star’s brilliance. The emphasis is on securing former Barcelona teammates of Messi, with Busquets already on board and the potential addition of Iniesta, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba in the pipeline.
The availability of Alba and Iniesta, both currently without a club, significantly raises the odds of them making the move to the United States. Suarez’s situation, however, presents more challenges as the 36-year-old striker contemplates retirement due to persistent knee injuries.
If successful in assembling this star-studded lineup, Inter Miami could recreate the formidable core that led Barcelona’s golden era from 2008 to 2015. This period marked the pinnacle of their success, including three Champions League triumphs in the 2008/09, 2010/11, and 2014/15 seasons. As Inter Miami ambitiously charts its course, the potential to replicate such success undoubtedly adds intrigue to the evolving narrative of the American club’s journey.
