An unforgettable debut for Las Garzas

On July 21, 2023, Lionel Messi forever altered the course of Inter Miami CF. After ending his time at Paris Saint-Germain and departing FC Barcelona in controversial fashion, the Argentine icon chose Major League Soccer as his next chapter—ushering in a new era for U.S. soccer. That night, during the opening of the 2023 Leagues Cup against Cruz Azul, became one of the most iconic moments in American sports history.

The Chase Stadium crowd also witnessed the debut of Sergio Busquets, Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona. Both started the game on the bench but were subbed in during the second half by head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. With the score tied 1-1, Messi stepped up in stoppage time to take a free kick. His masterful shot into the top corner gave Inter a 2-1 win and sent the Florida crowd into a frenzy.

A transformative two-year run

Since that magical debut, Messi has been the driving force behind Inter Miami CF's transformation. He led the team to their first-ever official title by lifting the 2023 Leagues Cup, which secured their spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup. During the 2024 season, the team broke the single-season points record and claimed the Supporters' Shield.

That success earned them a historic invitation from FIFA to represent the host country in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they delivered a performance that shocked the football world and now see themselves as true contenders for the MLS Cup.