Messi Does TikTok With the Ball: How #10 Turned Inter Miami Into a Vacation Spot for Defenders
Lionel Messi, sporting that iconic number 10 for Inter Miami CF, has made a massive splash in Major League Soccer since coming aboard. You can spot his influence every time he hits the pitch—he’s dropping highlight-reel goals, threading sharp assists, and showing true leadership as Miami’s main man up front.
Everyone knows Messi for his technical brilliance, vision, and that calm, almost icy presence. Now, he’s got all of America’s soccer fans glued to MLS.
Maybe you’ve followed Messi since his Barcelona days. Maybe you’re just tuning in for the MLS ride. Either way, you can’t really ignore what he’s doing here.
He keeps racking up awards. Most recently, he snagged MLS Player of the Matchday and MLS Player of the Month.
He leads Inter Miami in goals and assists—no surprise there.
If you’re looking for a quick snapshot of his season, here you go:
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Matches | See latest updates on ESPN’s profile |
Contents
Lionel Messi’s Role at Inter Miami CF
Messi drives Inter Miami’s attack, wearing that No. 10 and pulling the strings as both creator and scorer. When he arrived, the club’s expectations shot through the roof.
He’s given the Herons a new edge in MLS, bringing experience and a level of star power that’s tough to match.
No. 10 and Forward Position
You’ll always find Messi leading the line, making space, and creating chances from his favorite No. 10 spot. He moves off the ball so well, defenders have to pay attention, and that opens up the field for everyone else.
As the primary playmaker, Messi loves to drop deep, collect the ball, and drive forward with that signature close control.
His left foot? Still lethal. He bangs in goals from distance or finishes off those quick-passing moves in the box. You’ll see his name near the top of the league’s scoring and assist charts.
Here’s a quick look at his recent numbers:
| Season | Goals | Assists | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 20 | 12 | 28 |
| 2025* | 10 | 7 | 15 |
*2025 stats current as of July 21, 2025.
Leadership and Influence
Messi’s impact isn’t just about goals and assists. He leads by example, setting the tone in training and on matchdays.
As captain, he’s the standard-bearer for professionalism. His work ethic inspires both young guys and veterans, building a real winning culture.
He helped guide the Herons to their first-ever Supporters’ Shield. Messi’s arrival lined up with Inter Miami’s best regular season—most wins, most points, all of it.
He’s picked up honors like MLS Player of the Month and 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP, just to name a couple.
Integration into Major League Soccer
Since Messi joined MLS in July 2023, you’ve watched him adapt his game to a new league. The tempo’s different, but his vision and football IQ remain vital.
He faces more physical defenders and tighter marking, but he keeps finding ways to influence matches.
Messi’s arrival put Inter Miami—and MLS—on the global map. His play has earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors for big performances.
He’s shown his quality works just fine, even in this new environment.
2025 Season Highlights
Messi’s role as Inter Miami CF’s forward has shaped the entire direction of Major League Soccer this year. He’s scored game-winners, set up teammates, and led by example.
It’s hard to overstate how much he’s raised Miami’s level.
Key Performances and Statistics
Messi’s 2025 season has been about consistency and making big plays when they matter. After a short injury layoff, he jumped right back in and made things happen.
You’ve seen him split defenses with his passing and finish chances with that trademark coolness.
2025 Notable Statistics (as of July 21):
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Matches Played | 18 |
| Minutes Played | 1,500 |
| Player of the Month | 2 times |
Messi doesn’t just score. He drops deep, helps link play, and makes his teammates better.
During tough stretches, he’s stepped up, pushing Miami into the thick of the playoff race.
Notable Matches: Columbus Crew and CF Montréal
One of Messi’s best games came in a blowout win over the Columbus Crew. He put up two goals and two assists—just a masterclass.
His partnership with Luis Suárez really shined, as they combined for multiple scores. That 5-1 win stands out as one of Miami’s top performances this year.
You can break down the details in the Inter Miami 5-1 Columbus Crew recap.
Against CF Montréal, Messi did it again, leading Miami to a 4-1 victory at Stade Saputo. He controlled the tempo, found space in tight spots, and chipped in with both a goal and an assist.
He’s got this knack for turning big games into statements.
Impact on Eastern Conference Standings
Messi’s contributions have been huge for Miami’s spot in the Eastern Conference. The club sits in a top playoff position, thanks in part to points earned in key matches against the New York Red Bulls and Cincinnati.
Every time Messi scores or sets up a goal, it directly affects Miami’s playoff hopes.
The Supporters’ Shield race is tighter because of his efforts. With Messi on the field, Miami’s goal difference and points per game have jumped.
Those narrow wins and big victories over rivals? Messi’s fingerprints are all over them.
MLS Player of the Month Recognition
Messi has taken home MLS Player of the Month twice in 2025. It’s just more proof of his steady excellence and game-changing presence.
When he gets these awards, it usually follows a stretch where he’s flat-out dominated.
You’ve probably seen the celebrations at Chase Stadium—crowd on its feet, Messi soaking it in. These honors have fueled Miami’s momentum, with Messi’s hot streaks often lining up with the team’s best runs.
He’s not just Miami’s leader—he’s one of the defining stars of this MLS season.
For a deeper dive into his top moments, check out the Messi tracker for 2025.
Inter Miami CF’s Star-Studded Squad
With Messi as the centerpiece, Inter Miami CF boasts a fascinating mix of seasoned veterans and hungry young talent. You’ll see world-renowned names sharing the field with MLS’s brightest prospects, all under a manager who knows what it takes at the highest level.
Barcelona Connection: Suárez, Busquets, and Alba
The club’s recruitment team brought in a group with deep FC Barcelona roots. Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba have all joined Messi, rekindling some of that old Camp Nou magic.
Suárez delivers sharp finishing and clever movement up top. Busquets brings calm and control in midfield, keeping things ticking.
Alba flies up the left flank, adding experience and energy at the back.
This Barcelona trio just gets Messi. They anticipate each other’s moves, making the game look easy at times.
It’s like watching a highlight reel from their best years in Spain—flair, leadership, and chemistry all over the pitch.
| Player | Main Position | Key Strength | Club Joined From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Suárez | Forward | Finishing, movement | Gremio |
| Sergio Busquets | Midfielder | Passing, positioning | Barcelona |
| Jordi Alba | Left Back | Overlapping, experience | Barcelona |
Emerging Talents: Cremaschi, Redondo, and Allende
Alongside the Barcelona legends, Miami’s younger players are starting to shine.
Benjamín Cremaschi brings poise in midfield and a real knack for a pass. Federico Redondo reads the game well and holds things down as a defensive midfielder.
Tadeo Allende, the new kid on the block, adds speed and creativity out wide. He’s already made the MLS Team of the Matchday.
These young guys bring energy and hunger. They’re learning from the best, and you can see their confidence and skills growing game by game.
Notable Attributes of Emerging Talents:
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Cremaschi: Passing, positioning, maturity
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Redondo: Ball-winning, anticipation
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Allende: Speed, assists, attacking spark
Coaching Under Javier Mascherano
Javier Mascherano calls the shots from the sidelines. As a former teammate of Messi with Argentina and Barcelona, he knows exactly how to handle a locker room full of big names and big ambitions.
Mascherano’s coaching style blends structure with flexibility. His teams work hard off the ball, keeping their shape and snapping into transition when they win it back.
You can see his defensive midfielder instincts in how he sets up the squad—organized, disciplined, but always ready to attack. With Mascherano at the helm, Miami strikes a balance between veteran experience and youthful ambition.
Major League Soccer and Championships
Lionel Messi has completely changed the game for Inter Miami CF, breaking records and raising the club’s ambitions in Major League Soccer. If you’ve followed his journey, you know why every match, rivalry, and playoff chase feels like must-watch TV.
MLS Cup and Playoff Pursuits
When Messi landed in Miami, the vibe around the club changed overnight. Suddenly, Inter Miami looked like more than just hopefuls—they looked dangerous. Messi’s big-game experience? It brought a calm swagger to the locker room that you just can’t teach.
Miami’s push for the MLS Cup started to feel real. Messi kept turning tight games into wins, and that’s not something you see every day.
Take a quick peek at the recent seasons:
| Season | Messi Goals | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 11 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2024 | 20 | Conference Finals |
| 2025 | 18 (so far) | Ongoing |
Messi didn’t just raise the bar for himself—he pushed his teammates to step it up, too. The MLS Cup? Still the big goal in Miami, and every time the playoffs roll around, Messi’s performances grab headlines.
Inter Miami’s Eastern Conference Campaign
Week in and week out, Inter Miami battles in a tough Eastern Conference. With Messi wearing the captain’s armband, the squad climbed the standings, squaring off with heavyweights like FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and the New York Red Bulls.
Their season’s been loaded with big wins and wild draws. Remember that clutch equalizer by Messi in the 1-1 tie with Toronto FC? Moments like that have kept Miami right in the playoff mix.
Miami set club records for points, and you can feel the respect from around the league. Messi’s fingerprints are all over this team—every attack seems to start with him, and his leadership has made Miami a team nobody wants to face.
Key Rivals and Competitive Landscape
Getting to the top? It’s never a walk in the park. Miami’s main rivals in the East—Cincinnati, Columbus, and the Red Bulls—bring deep squads and plenty of playoff grit.
Cincinnati’s been a thorn in Miami’s side, snapping Messi’s goal streak in a tense match. Columbus always tests Miami with their disciplined midfield and relentless pressing. And the Red Bulls? They bring the physicality and pace that turns every meeting into a battle.
These rivalries aren’t going anywhere. They’re going to shape Miami’s season and their shot at any future trophies.
FIFA Club World Cup Participation
Messi’s arrival in Miami didn’t just shake up MLS—it put Inter Miami on the world stage. His international pedigree changed how this team attacked the FIFA Club World Cup, bringing a new level of swagger and expectation.
Group Stage Draw: Al Ahly, Porto, and Palmeiras
Inter Miami landed in a group that’s no joke: Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Portuguese side Porto, and Brazil’s Palmeiras. Every one of these clubs brings something different to the table.
Al Ahly? They’re all about that disciplined defense and lightning counters. Porto’s got a pipeline of young talent and a knack for tactical chess. Palmeiras? Speed, skill, and South American flair.
Messi’s seen it all before, but every match in this group felt like a big one. Want the full schedule and opponents? Check out the official Inter Miami FIFA profile.
| Team | Country | Last 5 Titles | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Ahly | Egypt | 2023 CAF Champions | Defensive structure |
| Porto | Portugal | 2022 Primeira Liga | Youth, tactical depth |
| Palmeiras | Brazil | 2024 Copa Libertadores | Fast, technical attack |
Preparation and Expectations
Inter Miami’s prep for the Club World Cup? Intense. The team ramped up training, played friendlies, and worked hard on chemistry.
Messi led the charge, sharing what he’s learned from years on the world’s biggest stages. Coaches broke down video and stats, digging into how to handle Al Ahly’s counters, Porto’s pressing, and Palmeiras’ speed.
The pressure? It’s real, and everybody’s watching Messi’s impact. Fitness became a top priority, too.
With a packed schedule, Miami focused on keeping players healthy and sharp. The Club World Cup roster announcement showed just how deep and ambitious this squad really is.
Venue Spotlight: Hard Rock Stadium
Most of Inter Miami’s Club World Cup matches took place at Hard Rock Stadium, right in South Florida’s backyard. This place has seen it all—Super Bowls, concerts, you name it—and now it’s hosting global soccer.
Fans watched Messi lead Miami onto a pitch that felt both familiar and electric. The stadium brought together American sports energy and a worldwide soccer spotlight.
That South Florida heat and humidity? It’s no joke, and it gave Miami a bit of an edge over teams not used to those conditions. The buzz around Messi and his squad made the stadium the center of this huge tournament.
Transfers, Squad Depth, and Future Outlook
It’s a busy summer in Miami. The front office is hustling to build a team around Messi that can compete for every trophy.
Transfer Window Moves and Rumors
Inter Miami’s been active in the transfer market, looking for players who can mesh with Messi and fill gaps across the field. They’ve already brought in a midfielder and a forward ahead of the new season, trying to build a roster with no weak spots.
Rumors are swirling about more big names, and there’s chatter about Messi’s contract extension. Miami’s also linked with players who know his game inside and out. For a closer look at the latest moves, check out this breakdown of new additions.
Recent Inter Miami Transfer Moves
| Player | Position | Status | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Forward | Contract Talks | 37 |
| New Midfielder | Midfield | Signed | 23 |
| New Forward | Forward | Signed | 21 |
Goalkeeping Situation: Oscar Ustari and Alternatives
Goalkeeping is a hot topic in Miami this year. Oscar Ustari’s name keeps coming up as the club debates whether to stick with veteran experience or bring in some fresh legs.
Ustari’s got the know-how, but is it enough for a team chasing titles? That’s the big question.
Miami’s scouting other keepers, ready to make a move if the right fit pops up. Getting this decision right could make all the difference for Miami’s defense next season.
Upcoming Talent and Squad Rotation
Let’s talk about the rise of some seriously promising young players at Inter Miami. You can feel the buzz around the stadium—everyone’s watching to see who’s going to break out next.
Inter Miami’s coaches are getting creative with squad rotation, especially with a packed fixture list staring them down. They’re keeping a close eye on Messi’s minutes, too, which, honestly, makes sense at his age.
You’ll notice academy graduates and recent signings stepping up, challenging the veterans for their spots. That kind of competition brings energy and depth, just when the team needs it most.
Segovia, for example, looks like a real prospect who could earn more meaningful minutes soon. The club faces a tricky challenge: how do you balance youth development with the steady hand of experience?
When injuries pop up or matches start piling up, that balance becomes even more important. Managers know they need a deep roster to stay flexible through the grind of a long MLS season.
By rotating the squad regularly, they’re hoping to keep everyone fresh. That’s the kind of approach that could help Miami stay right in the thick of every competition.
