
MLS playoffs without Lionel Messi and Inter Miami could be a welcome reality check
New York TimesLionel Messi is out of the Major League Soccer playoffs after Inter Miami, the No 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, suffered a stunning opening-round loss to ninth-seeded Atlanta United. MLS has set records this year in total attendance, average attendance, season-ticket sales, sold-out games and the number of matches with crowds of over 40,000 — numbers boosted not just by Messi’s presence, but also by having more teams in the league than ever before. Last year, FC Dallas owner Clark Hunt told The Athletic that MLS was “studying” the Messi effect to “understand how that’s going to impact the league long-term, how it’s going to grow not only our fanbase in the stadiums each weekend, but also how it’s going to grow our media subscriptions through Apple”. Or whether Messi’s presence in the league has meant an uptick in viewership for games that don’t involve Inter Miami. “I wouldn’t say that the timing is when Lionel Messi leaves MLS, it’s really about what do we want to be by 2027,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said last year in his state-of-the-league address.
History of this topic

Lionel Messi scores in MLS return as Inter Miami edge Philadelphia Union
Al Jazeera
Will Lionel Messi play in Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union MLS match?
The Hindu
Messi scores on return to Inter Miami XI as MLS club rallies to beat Atlanta United
Firstpost
MLS 2025: Messi scores as Inter Miami beats Atlanta United 2-1 to take top spot in Eastern Conference
The Hindu
Lionel Messi scores as Inter Miami win against Atlanta United
Al Jazeera
WATCH: Messi scores his first goal of MLS 2025 season against Atlanta United
The Hindu
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez help Inter Miami qualify for quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup
Firstpost
WATCH: Messi scores on return during Inter Miami vs Cavalier Champions Cup match
The Hindu
Messi misses out again as 10-man Inter Miami secure win over Charlotte FC in MLS
Firstpost
MLS 2024-25: Messi remains unused substitute after 10-man Inter Miami beats Charlotte FC
The Hindu
Why Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup last of 16 match against Cavalier?
Firstpost
Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Inter Miami in CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Cavalier?
The Hindu
MLS: Suarez stars as Inter Miami thumps Huston Dynamo 4-1 without Messi
The Hindu
MLS: Houston Dynamo to compensate fans with free ticket after Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi skips clash
The Hindu
Lionel Messi says move to Inter Miami was driven by unhappy spell at PSG
The Hindu
Lionel Messi blames tough times at PSG as major push for Inter Miami move
India Today
Lionel Messi reveals he had ‘hard time adapting’ to life at Paris St Germain
The Independent
Will Lionel Messi return to Barcelona after Inter Miami contract expires? Here's what his biographer said
Firstpost
Lionel Messi scripts MLS history in Inter Miami's season opener; runs riot with last-minute assist to avoid defeat
Hindustan Times
Lionel Messi clinches MLS record, makes two assists as Inter Miami are held by New York
Firstpost
Messi assists on Segovia’s late goal, Inter Miami ties New York City FC 2-2 in MLS season opener
Associated Press
Messi’s Inter Miami second-most valuable MLS club behind LAFC, says Forbes
The Hindu
MLS Embarks on 30th year with a 30th team, a crowded schedule and, yes, more Messi
Associated Press
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami the second most valued team in Major League Soccer after 17 per cent growth
Firstpost
Lionel Messi planning a Barcelona reunion by signing a new contract with Inter Miami: Report
Hindustan Times
Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami unveils 5-match, 4-country preseason trip
The Hindu
Lionel Messi in for a busy pre-season with Inter Miami announcing five-match tour across four countries
Firstpost
Messi-led Inter Miami unveils 5-match, 4-country preseason trip
Associated Press
MLS: Messi’s Inter Miami to host New York City FC in 2025 season opener
The Hindu
Lionel Messi wins Most Valuable Player award after starring in Inter Miami's record-breaking season
Firstpost
Lionel Messi wins MLS MVP award, the latest trophy on a long list of honors for the Inter Miami star
Associated Press
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Messi and Inter Miami to kick-off tournament against Egyptian club Al Ahly
The Hindu
Messi and Inter Miami to open Club World Cup against Egyptian club Al Ahly
Associated Press
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez's sons make debuts at Argentina youth tournament for Inter Miami
Hindustan Times
Luis Suarez signs Inter Miami contract extension through 2025 MLS season
New York Times
Lionel Messi has his new coach: Javier Mascherano’s hiring by Inter Miami is now complete
Associated Press
MLS: Inter Miami coach Martino steps down after Cup playoffs exit against Atalanta
The Hindu
Messi to have new coach at Inter Miami as Tata Martino resigns: Report
Firstpost
How Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will be impacted by Tata Martino’s exit
New York Times
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino stepping down as coach of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, AP source says
Associated Press
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami given Club World Cup 2025 spot by FIFA
India Today
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami stars learn you can't buy an MLS Cup
LA Times
Club World Cup slot softens the blow of Inter Miami’s MLS playoffs exit
The Hindu
Messi's future in MLS addressed by Inter Miami coach: 'I actually don't know'
Firstpost
Atlanta United Stun Inter Miami, End Lionel Messi’s MLS Cup Dream With 3-2 Playoff Win
ABP News
Lionel Messi's MLS future addressed by Inter Miami boss after loss vs Atlanta United: ‘I would not dare to say…’
Hindustan Times
Lionel Messi’s MLS Cup dreams dashed as Inter Miami ousted from playoffs
Live Mint
Messi and Miami eliminated from MLS Cup playoffs in first round
Deccan Chronicle
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami eliminated from MLS Cup playoffs in first round
Hindustan TimesDiscover Related




























