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Messi Keeps Recruiting Stars for Inter Miami

Herons Starting to Look Like Barcelona 2.0

· Jul 25 - 4 minutes read

After scoring the winning goal in his first match with Inter Miami CF, Lionel Messi managed to convince another former Barcelona teammate to join the pink army. In addition, the Herons made another interesting announcement during the weekend. I’m telling you, Hulkamania is nothing compared to Messi-mania, which is why it’s time to check the latest soccer news about the Argentina superstar and the revolution he’s leading in Miami.

As well explore a variety of Concacaf odds and other soccer odds here to win!

Messi Keeps Recruiting Stars for Inter Miami — Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on during the Leagues Cup 2023/Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP

Dream Debut

Lionel Messi made his debut with Inter Miami CF on July 21. The Argentinian came off the bench to help Inter Miami beat Cruz Azul in the first match of the 2023 Leagues Cup, a tournament in which all the MLS and Liga MX teams fight for glory. The top three teams qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Robert Taylor scored the opener for Miami right before halftime. However, Uriel Antuna scored the equalizer 20 minutes into the second half. The draw seemed inevitable, but nothing is inevitable for Messi, who scored in the 94th minute thanks to a gorgeous free-kick execution.

MESSI’S FIRST GOAL FOR INTER MIAMI AND IT’S A GAME-WINNER 🤯

WHAT A MOMENT

(via @MLS)
pic.twitter.com/SoF9dSrbDY

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2023

The match finished 2-1. That result boosted Miami to the top of Group J, where they’ll also face Atlanta United. The top two teams will advance to the knockout stages, making this a very important result.

Messi wasn’t the only one who made his debut. Sergio Busquets also came off the bench to help with the win. Although Busquets isn’t such a flashy player, the experienced midfielder showed he can help a lot in terms of pace and possession.

You can expect both to start in the second match against Atlanta United, scheduled for July 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET at DRV PNK Stadium.

After defeating Cruz Azul, Inter Miami went from +1200 to +1000 in the soccer odds to win the Leagues Cup title. I think now is a good time to jump on the pink train.

New Teammate

David Beckham made it very clear during Messi’s presentation. The signing of Messi and Busquets was only the beginning. They didn’t waste time; a few days later, the team confirmed the signing of Jordi Alba to a contract through the 2024 MLS season with a club option for 2025.

🚨 Inter Miami 🇺🇸 have announced the signing of former #Barca fullback Jordi Alba.

Alba joins former team-mates Lionel #Messi and Sergio #Busquets in moving to David Beckham’s #InterMiamiCF .

Alba has joined the club on a free transfer after leaving Xavi’s team. https://t.co/DFwtmBdoru

— Ontheminute.com (@ontheminute) July 20, 2023

The Spanish left-back, who also used to play for Barcelona, is a certified winner. With Barca, Alba won La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey, the FIFA Club World Cup.

He also has had a great career with the national team, winning the EURO 2012 and the 2023 UEFA Nations League. Alba also played in three World Cups from 2014 to 2022. Overall, he has made 93 appearances for Spain, recording 10 goals and nine assists.

On the Way

As if Messi, Busquets, and Alba weren’t enough, Inter Miami recently announced that they’ve acquired an international roster slot from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for $150,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money.

Rumor has it the move was to sign Luis Suarez, who currently plays for Gremio, one of Brazil’s powerhouses. Suarez also used to play for Barcelona and is one of Messi’s best friends.

Luis Suarez wants to be teammates with Lionel Messi at Inter Miamihttps://t.co/5muO8GV164

— Jaun News English (@EnglishJaun) July 22, 2023

Suarez is considered one of the best strikers of the last decade. He also won it all while playing for Barcelona and has scored 68 goals for Uruguay.

see details of Inter Miami’s proposal for Luis Suárezhttps://t.co/IVFTR25YOT

— Jaun News English (@EnglishJaun) July 25, 2023

The MLS transfer window closes on Aug. 2. Suarez has already made it clear that he wants to join his friends in Miami, but Gremio won’t allow him to go easily. It seems like Beckham and co. will have to write another big check to keep the revolution going.

Signing Suarez would be extremely good news for the team and the league, but not so much for Leonardo Campana. The 23-year-old striker would barely play since Suarez and Josef Martinez would be the main strikers. In fact, if Suarez arrives, I expect Miami to trade Campana.