Key Highlights
- Lionel Messi is on the verge of a rare trophyless season with Inter Miami.
- Miami must win four consecutive games to avoid elimination in the MLS playoffs.
- This would be just the second trophyless campaign for Messi since 2004, excluding the 2019–20 season with Barcelona.
- Inter Miami’s playoff hopes are now hanging by a thread after last week’s loss to Nashville SC.
Messi’s Struggle with Inter Miami
The Argentine football icon, Lionel Messi, finds himself facing a rare challenge in his illustrious career. With Inter Miami battling to avoid elimination in the MLS playoffs, there is an increased pressure on the player to secure at least one trophy this season.
Striking a Trophyless Season
Messi’s team must win four consecutive games, starting against Nashville SC in Fort Lauderdale, to stay alive. A single defeat would eliminate Miami from contention and leave Messi without any titles for the year. The stakes are high as this potential trophyless season would mark just the second time in 21 professional seasons that he hasn’t won a major title.
Historical Context
In 20 of his 21 professional seasons, and every one unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Messi has managed to secure at least one trophy. His most memorable trophies include the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, and the 2024 Copa América with Argentina.
Inter Miami’s Recent Downturn
The club has struggled this year, falling short in key tournaments. They exited the CONCACAF Champions Cup, lost to PSG in the Club World Cup round of 16, and were beaten 3-0 by Seattle in the Leagues Cup final. The Supporters’ Shield slipped away as Miami finished third in the Eastern Conference, one point behind Philadelphia.
Strategic Responses from Inter Miami
Head coach Javier Mascherano urged calm and unity ahead of Saturday’s decisive game against Nashville SC. “We must now swallow the poison, save it and keep it inside all week long so we can release that in front of our fans next Saturday,” he said.
Expert Perspectives
The situation for Messi is critical but not unprecedented. The only comparable drought came in 2019–20 with Barcelona, a turbulent season that ended with an 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich and no trophies. Despite his individual brilliance, the team’s performance has been subpar this year.
Conclusion
A High-Stakes Finish
The outcome of Inter Miami’s upcoming games against Nashville SC will be crucial for Messi’s career legacy in Major League Soccer. Whether he can turn around his team’s fortunes and avoid a trophyless season remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting as he prepares for what could be one of the most challenging final weeks of his professional journey.
