Cup golden ball winner, and the list goes on and on and on from there.
Best player ever? It’s tough to argue. Some of the academy players even got to address Messi at the trophy presentation, telling him why he’s their MVP.
“Hi Leo, you are my MVP because you have been my idol since I was a child and seeing you here in person every day is truly incredible,” Inter Miami under-19 player Victor Fung told him. “Thank you for giving us so many unforgettable memories … thank you for everything.”
Messi stunned many in the soccer world when he picked Inter Miami last year, instantly turning the franchise into one of the game’s biggest brands. Winning the Leagues Cup shortly after Messi arrived gave Inter Miami its first trophy, and his No. 10 jersey has been MLS’ biggest seller from basically the moment that the most decorated player ever picked Miami.
“I will say it exceeded my expectations,” Garber said. “I love what it’s done for MLS and I hope Leo stays healthy and is going to be in the league for a long time”
The 37-year-old Messi is under contract through the end of the 2025 season, and Inter Miami has made no secret that it wants him to remain into at least 2026 — when the club plans to open a new stadium near Miami International Airport.
“I’d love to see Leo be a part of our league for the rest of time,” Garber said. “I chatted with his wife (Wednesday) night and I said hi to his kids. They seem very happy here. That’s a good thing. To see a player and their family actually happy is what it’s all about.”
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas was asked this week how he feels about the club’s unprecedented investment — Messi’s contract with the team is worth at least $150 million in total value, and his annual MLS salary is more than some entire MLS team payrolls combined — has worked out so far.
“Just one word,” Mas said, perhaps briefly unaware that describing anything about Messi tends to require more than one word. “It’s been an amazing run and there’s more to come.
