Inter Miami have transformed dramatically in the last 12 months since the blockbuster signing of Lionel Messi.
Although it took some time, the Herons are now one of the best clubs in North America with Inter Miami one win away from their first-ever Supporters’ Shield title, with a huge tie against the Columbus Crew coming up next week.
Although Messi struggled against Charlotte FC on Saturday, the Argentine will soon be back to his best ahead of Inter Miami heading into the post-season play-offs, where the Herons will be favorites to win MLS Cup.
And Tata Martino has now shared what aspect of Inter Miami has changed dramatically this year.
Expectations on Inter Miami to win now higher than ever with Messi
Speaking to the press after Inter Miami’s third consecutive draw, Martino highlighted how expectations are now higher than ever for the Florida franchise to win every game, a huge change considering how poor the Herons were in 2023.
Even with Messi on their payroll, Inter Miami were often on the losing side with Martino leading the Supporters’ Shield leaders to their first piece of silverware ever last year in the inaugrial Leagues Cup.
And with Inter Miami finding their feet with Messi, expectations have changed massively, with Martino saying: “We were a team that habitually lost for years, and now, we are a team that habitually wins, and that raises expectations.
“It should be noted that we have worked very hard to change the perception of this team, and we’ve done it having to use many different lineups due to injuries and national team duty.”
Messi is helping Inter Miami achieve everything they wanted
Messi was signed by Inter Miami to help the Herons challenge for every title possible in a single season, and one year on from the Argentine’s arrival, it’s safe to say Martino and company have managed just that.
With the Supporters’ Shield just one win away and Inter Miami looking like clear favourites to win MLS Cup, Messi’s arrival and the subsequent moves inspired by the transformed have raised the level at Chase Stadium in a big way.
And heading into the final months of the season, Inter Miami need to make good on their expectations and win both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup with a flourish, two titles that are more than possible.