Mia Hamm, a two-time FIFA champion, reflects on the growing popularity of Lionel Messi in the United States. Messi recently wrapped up his first season with MLS club Inter Miami.
In Inter Miami’s final match of the season against Charlotte FC, Messi had a goal disallowed due to offside and hit the crossbar with a free kick. Despite the match being inconsequential as Inter Miami had already been eliminated from the postseason, Messi played with effort and competitiveness.
Inter Miami lost the match 1-0, with Kerwin Vargas scoring the only goal. Despite the team’s struggles, Messi insisted on playing to help prepare for upcoming matches with the Argentine national team and a trip to China.
Messi had recently recovered from a leg injury that caused him to miss several matches. His performances for Inter Miami included 11 goals and five assists in 14 appearances. Although the team ended the season winless in their last seven games, they did win the Leagues Cup tournament in August.
During the Charlotte match, Messi had a few opportunities to score, including a free kick that hit the crossbar. However, he was ultimately unable to find the back of the net.
Messi received praise from Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino for his contributions to the team throughout the season. Despite the quiet end to his first season in MLS, Messi’s impact and popularity in the league cannot be denied.
The match against Charlotte FC also had implications for the MLS playoffs, with several teams still vying for playoff spots in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
It is unclear whether Messi would start or come off the bench in the match against Charlotte, but he expressed his intention to play after his recent outing with the Argentine national team.
Messi’s decision to play on artificial turf in the MLS was noteworthy, as he had not played on synthetic turf in a long time. Nonetheless, he expressed a willingness to adapt and play on any surface.
Overall, Messi’s first season in MLS may have ended quietly in terms of team performance, but his presence and skill on the field left a lasting impact.