Inter Miami have been shockingly eliminated from MLS Cup playoffs, but their superstar Lionel Messi remains optimistic about the team’s future. In a post shared on Instagram on Monday, Messi promised that Inter will “come back stronger next year.”
Inter Miami had a terrific regular season that saw them win the Supporters’ Shield and break the all-time record with 74 points. They entered the playoffs as a favorite to win it all but stumbled on the first obstacle.
After winning Game 1 of Round One against Atlanta United, Inter went on to lose the following two games and end their postseason in a disappointing fashion. To make it worse, Atlanta barely made it to the MLS Cup playoffs after finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference and needing penalties to get out of the Wild Card round.
“A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and, although we achieved some goals, we wanted more. Thanks to all the people who accompanied and supported us. Now we are going to prepare to come back stronger next year,” Messi wrote on Instagram while sharing several photos taken throughout the season.
Lionel Messi battled several injuries in 2024 but was spectacular when on the field. He played 19 games, scoring 20 goals and adding 16 assists. However, his efficiency dropped in the playoffs, as he managed just one goal and one assist.
Messi will get at least one more chance to bring Inter its first MLS Cup, considering he is under contract through 2025. It is unclear whether he’ll remain in MLS after that or return to his native Argentina and finish his career with boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys, as he previously hinted.
