Inter Miami had a bittersweet 2024, winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield but being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. However, that doesn’t mean they didn’t shine in other key areas.
As the new year approaches, it’s a great time to reflect on what 2024 was like for Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi and company, while also looking ahead to what will be a busy 2025 season.
Atlanta United eliminated Inter Miami in the first round of the MLS playoffs, but the Herons continue to make headlines well into the off-season.
For instance, just a few days ago, MLS announced that Lionel Messi won the MVP award after scoring 21 goals and providing 11 assists throughout the season.
Regarding this, Alexi Lalas himself admitted that although Messi wasn’t his favorite for the MVP, he’s still Messi, one of the greatest players in history. And that carries weight.
So much so that the ‘Messi effect’ once again made its presence felt this year in terms of popularity and interest ranking.
Inter Miami are the most searched football club on Google in 2024
As reported by AS, Inter Miami was the most searched club on Google in the United States in 2024.
In fact, in the ranking of the most searched sports teams, the Herons ranked third, just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (2nd, MLB) and the New York Yankees (1st, MLB).
Thus, the disappointing end to the season for the team based at Chase Stadium didn’t prevent them from being the most popular football club in the country, surpassing European giants.
Both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have a large fan base in America. However, the only European football club to make the list of the 10 most searched sports teams is Bundesliga’s Bayer Leverkusen.
Under Xabi Alonso, they had a historic season, winning the Bundesliga with a commanding 90 points. However, this achievement fell short of surpassing Lionel Messi’s team in popularity.
As a result, the Herons maintain their position as the most popular football club in the United States, as Inter Miami was the most searched team in 2023 as well.
2025 should be Inter Miami’s biggest year yet
In 2023, Lionel Messi’s arrival at the club and the winning of the Leagues Cup was a breath of fresh air for the fans after what had been one of their worst seasons in MLS history.
The following year, things obviously improved, his popularity remained high, and this was also reflected in the sporting results, with Inter Miami claiming the MLS Supporters’ Shield.
However, 2025 should be the year that becomes the biggest in the history of Inter Miami. Next year has all the ingredients for a grand celebration with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and co.
Inter Miami will not only participate in MLS but will also be back in the Leagues Cup and now take part in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Club World Cup.
The board must make efforts to create a balanced squad that continues to revolve around the Argentine star, aiming to play an important role in each of the competitions they are involved in.
Making a good impression in a competition of the caliber of the Club World Cup will be crucial for the team’s success once the Messi era ends.