Major League Soccer (MLS) has grown significantly in recent years. We've seen a number of high-profile players make the switch from Europe to the US, and MLS teams are getting stronger all the time.
One of the league's most popular teams, Inter Miami, is getting ready to kick-start a new season. Let's take a closer look at the Florida side ahead of the new campaign. Read on to learn more.
Inter Miami's Best Players
Football is a team game, success is defined by a side's ability to function correctly as a unit, attacking, defending and controlling a game as one. However, teams also rely on individual quality, and having a star player or two in a side can be the difference between victory and failure on the pitch.
When it comes to star players, Inter Miami are spoiled for choice. We couldn't write an article about the club without mentioning who is without a doubt their best player, none other than Lionel Messi.
The Argentine joined the MLS side in July 2023, after a stint with PSG. His signing made headline news around the world, and many viewed it as a huge step forward for the MLS, which had demonstrated its future potential by attracting who is, for many, the greatest player to have ever lived.
Messi isn't the only star player in the Inter Miami side, however. He plays alongside midfielder Sergio Busquets and left-back Jordi Alba. The three have a shared history, having been huge players for Barcelona, and this chemistry has helped them form a new relationship in the MLS.
How Did Last Season Go?
The MLS system works in a slightly different way from traditional European leagues. Rather than a title being awarded to the team with the most points at the end of the season, the top teams instead enter a play-off round and compete for the MLS Cup.
When Messi joined last year, many fans will have looked for the odds betting markets to back Inter Miami to claim the trophy. However, Messi's arrival halfway through the season wasn't enough to turn around their struggling form. Despite an uptick in results, Inter Miami finished 27th in the table, although did manage to secure a spot at the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Targets for this Season
As we approach the start of the new MLS season, what should Inter Miami be hoping to achieve? A higher finishing position on the table will be the club's number one priority, and they will be looking to make it far into the playoffs and should be aiming to lift the trophy.
However, the MLS is far more competitive than many give it credit for and Inter Miami will face a battle if they want to claim any silverware. To bolster their campaign, the club have brought in key reinforcements. Uruguayan star Luis Suarez joined in December 2023, while fellow forward Shanyder Borgelin and defender Harvey Neville were also added to the squad.
With a valuable mix of young talent and experienced veterans, manager Gerardo Martino has all the tools he needs to push for trophies this season. If he can get the best out of his star players, such as Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba, and if they can help motivate the younger players, Inter Miami could be strong contenders for the cup.
Conclusion
The 2024 MLS season will kick off at the end of February. As we near the start of the new campaign, Inter Miami is creating a lot of excitement. With a roster of superstars, they are among the favourites to lift the cup at the end of the season.