Lionel Messi, the World Cup winner, will take over as Inter Miami's new captain, the Major League Soccer (MLS) team's head coach Tata Martino announced on Monday, July 24.
Brazilian midfielder Gregore, who served as the team's previous captain, will likely miss a significant amount of time due to a foot injury.
Martino responded to a question about whether Messi would continue to lead Miami by saying, "The other day he was (captain) too when he joined. Indeed, he will.
Tuesday sees Inter Miami play Atlanta United to finish the two-game group stage with hopes of moving on to the knockout rounds of the Leagues Cup, a World Cup-style competition that includes all MLS and Liga MX teams.
Lionel Messi made his eagerly anticipated Inter Miami debut on July 21, 2023, when the team faced Liga MX team Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup group stage opening. The 54th minute saw the Argentine superstar replace midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi and receive the captain's armband. The start of the Messi era in Major League Soccer was heralded by a roar from the DRV PNK Stadium's sold-out crowd.
Messi's presence gave the game an explosive energy, making it an exciting spectacle. Messi had an immediate and significant impact despite not having started the game. With the score poised at 1-1 in the 94th minute, Messi was fouled just outside the penalty area. Messi stepped up and unleashed an incredible free kick that struck the back of the net as the game was on the line, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 victory.
A last-second winner that displayed Messi's extraordinary talent and poise under pressure, the goal was a typical Messi moment. 'Messi Mania' in South Florida officially began as the audience of over 22,000 burst into cheers.
Messi's debut was historic for American football as well as for Inter Miami. With stars like LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, and Serena Williams among the crowd at the stadium, his entry has offered MLS unprecedented attention and star power. There is a real sense of excitement and anticipation as Messi continues his illustrious career in America.
