Lionel Messi’s Evolving Impact on Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has frequently been questioned about his remarkable longevity, effectiveness, and injury-free career, especially at the age of 38. His response? He has simply learned how to walk.

This may sound straightforward, and it isn’t particularly revolutionary, yet Messi has mastered the art of energy conservation, both when his team has possession and when they do not. Nowadays, he strategically positions himself on the field, making calculated sprints to receive passes rather than exerting unnecessary energy. He continues to navigate tight spaces skillfully, exploiting opportunities without excessive movement. Defensively, when Inter Miami is out of possession, he typically minimizes his involvement, opting not to press opponents, as this is primarily the responsibility of his teammates.

However, things took a turn on Sunday night. Messi demonstrated a renewed vigor, actively engaging in defense by disrupting passing lanes and thwarting Cincinnati’s attempts to penetrate. In a pivotal moment leading up to Miami’s third goal, he retreated to his own half, seized the ball, and delivered a decisive pass that Mateo Silvetti converted into a goal.

“We know what Leo is capable of; he proves it every weekend. Today, he excelled off the ball, complementing his well-known prowess on it,” commented manager Javier Mascherano post-match.

But the standout statistics are truly remarkable. Messi created eight chances, recorded three assists, and netted the opening goal. He set an MLS record by accumulating 12 goal contributions in a single playoff campaign, with the possibility of two more games ahead. In his past seven matches, he has scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists, averaging a goal contribution every 28.6 minutes—figures that are astonishing.

Moreover, his efficiency is striking. While Messi is the focal point of nearly every Miami attack, five other players registered more touches during the match, including Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul. Nonetheless, no other Miami player completed more dribbles or had a higher pass completion percentage than Messi.

Yet, attempting to quantify Messi solely through statistics fails to capture his essence. It is the moments that define him. He initiated the sequence leading to the first goal by picking the ball near the halfway line, passing it off before making a sprint into the box to score his 30th headed goal. His assists showcased his trademark finesse: one delivered with the inside of his left foot, the other with the outside of his right, both perfectly threading through the defense into the path of Allende.

This exceptional performance is not a new phenomenon; Messi has consistently excelled in MLS and beyond. Having been named MVP last year, it would be surprising if he doesn’t claim the award again this season. He came close to breaking the single-season goal involvement record, currently held by LAFC’s Carlos Vela. Messi has consistently delivered high-caliber performances, whether with PSG, during a friendly against Puerto Rico, or in a World Cup final.

What has changed for Miami? Surprisingly, they have demonstrated improved efficiency defensively, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles this season. Issues with midfield and central defense have persisted, but in the playoffs, they have been more resilient. The addition of Silvetti brought much-needed energy, while Messi’s heightened intensity has exerted more pressure on opponents. The absence of Luis Suarez, who faced suspension and later was benched, has also alleviated some burden on the squad.

Miami has capitalized on their opponents’ mistakes; Cincinnati missed early scoring opportunities, and Evander, one of MLS’s top talents, has yet to score a playoff goal, despite his regular-season prowess. Miami’s defensive structure resembles that of Argentina, allowing Messi to shine while becoming difficult to defeat, conceding only once from open play in the playoffs.

This year, an imbalance exists in MLS, with the Eastern Conference proving to be significantly stronger than the Western. The top three teams in the East surpassed the leading team in the West in points, and the depth of competition is notable.

In the playoffs, Miami faced Cincinnati as slight favorites, largely due to Messi’s presence, but their recent record at TQL Stadium was concerning. Having lost 3-0 there earlier in the season, expectations were tempered. However, they defied the odds, securing a convincing victory against the conference’s top team.

As for what lies ahead, Philadelphia seemed a logical contender to challenge Miami, but they were ousted by a revitalized NYCFC. Miami is unlikely to falter at home against that opponent and will face whomever emerges from the West in the MLS Cup. While San Diego and Vancouver offer formidable challenges, the current iteration of the Herons appears markedly improved.

In the end, the Messi effect remains paramount: the goals, assists, and moments of brilliance that elevate his team. Moving forward, it will require a collective effort, but once Messi switches on, Miami becomes nearly impossible to defeat.