Gerardo “Tata” Martino, the newly appointed manager of Inter Miami, has made it clear that he, along with the anticipated signings of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, is not coming to South Beach and MLS for a leisurely vacation. Martino, who previously coached Messi and Busquets at Barcelona, expressed his determination to succeed during his introductory news conference on Thursday. He emphasized that their objective is to compete and compete well, both personally and as a team. By dispelling the notion of a holiday, Martino highlighted their serious commitment to the sport.
Martino had initiated negotiations with Miami even before the deals for Messi and Busquets were finalized, indicating his attraction to the opportunity. As a former coach of Atlanta United in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Martino’s return to MLS brings experience and expertise to the struggling Inter Miami. The team currently sits in last place in the Eastern Conference and is enduring a seven-game losing streak. With only 16 games left in the regular season, Miami needs to significantly improve their performance to secure a spot in the top nine and qualify for the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs.
Messi’s Potential Impact on Soccer Growth in the United States
The arrival of Lionel Messi, a global superstar and 2022 World Cup champion, has the potential to inspire further growth of soccer in the United States, according to Martino. He believes that the presence of Messi, who is widely regarded as the best player in the world, could have a transformative effect on the sport’s popularity in the country. Martino cited the interest expressed by NFL and NBA players as evidence of the impact Messi’s decision to play in MLS has already generated. He also acknowledged the ongoing progress of American soccer players who are excelling in European leagues. By joining MLS, Messi’s involvement in the league could pave the way for even greater opportunities and growth in American soccer.
While Messi’s debut for Inter Miami is highly anticipated, it is expected to take at least a couple of weeks. The club is working on the necessary paperwork with Major League Soccer to finalize the process. Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, revealed that the target date for Messi’s first game is July 21, when Inter Miami faces Liga MX’s Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup match. Chris Henderson, the chief soccer officer and sporting director for Miami, expressed optimism that the paperwork will be completed in time and that Messi will be ready to compete by mid to late July.
In addition to Messi, the signing of Sergio Busquets further strengthens Inter Miami’s roster. Busquets, an accomplished midfielder, has also had previous experience playing under Martino at Barcelona. The reunion of Martino with Messi and Busquets provides a familiar and cohesive dynamic that could benefit the team on the field.
The appointment of Gerardo Martino as the new manager of Inter Miami brings renewed hope and ambition to the struggling MLS team. Martino’s emphasis on competitiveness and success sets a clear tone for the upcoming season. The anticipated signings of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets add star power and skill to the roster, potentially elevating the team’s performance. Moreover, Messi’s decision to join MLS has the potential to significantly contribute to the growth and popularity of soccer in the United States. As Martino and his players work towards reviving Inter Miami’s season, the prospect of success and a playoff spot remains within reach.
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