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Messi & Inter Miami Open MLS Season at Home vs. NYCFC
After battling through icy conditions in Kansas City, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami return to sunny Fort Lauderdale to kick off their 2024 MLS season against New York City FC on Saturday. With a fresh start under new manager Javier Mascherano, the Herons look to make an early statement in front of their home crowd.
Meanwhile, NYCFC enters the season opener facing some key roster questions, particularly surrounding their attacking midfield. Can they hold their own against Miami’s firepower, or will Messi and Luis Suárez put on a show?
Inter Miami: Ready to Shine at Home
Inter Miami is coming off a 1-0 road win over Sporting Kansas City in their CONCACAF Champions Cup opener, with Messi delivering a moment of magic to secure the victory. Despite the frigid temperatures, Mascherano praised his team’s resilience and work rate.
“I’m very proud of my team because they gave me 100 percent intensity,” Mascherano said. “Now, we look forward to Saturday’s MLS season opener.”
Key players to watch for Miami:
- Lionel Messi – Scored the game-winner in Kansas City and remains the biggest difference-maker in MLS.
- Luis Suárez – Played 90 minutes midweek and looks ready to make an impact in his first MLS season.
- Jordi Alba – Could return from a minor injury, adding another layer to Miami’s dominant left side.
With Messi and Suárez looking sharp and Sergio Busquets controlling the midfield, Miami will be tough to contain at home.
NYCFC Faces Big Questions in Attack
NYCFC, under new manager Pascal Jansen, will be looking to improve on a disappointing 2023 campaign and return to the playoff conversation. However, their season opener comes with significant roster uncertainties.
The biggest question? The potential departure of playmaker Santi Rodríguez, who is reportedly finalizing a move to Brazil’s Botafogo for a $17 million transfer fee. Rodríguez has been NYCFC’s creative spark, and his absence would leave a major gap in midfield.
NYCFC is also adjusting to life without defender James Sands, who was loaned to Germany’s St. Pauli on Jan. 1. His defensive presence would have been crucial against Miami’s star-studded attack.
Despite these challenges, NYCFC will look to:
- Alonso Martínez – The Costa Rican striker is coming off a 16-goal season and will need to step up in Rodríguez’s absence.
- Thiago Martins & Maxime Chanot – Defensive leaders who must keep Messi and Suárez from running wild.
- Gabriel Pereira – A creative winger who could take on more responsibility in the attack.
The Challenge of Facing Messi & Co.
Jansen is well aware of the difficult task ahead in facing Miami’s world-class front line.
“You have to be really careful where Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi are,” Jansen said. “Sergio Busquets is also very important, and if Jordi Alba plays, he’s a very dominant figure on the left side.”
With NYCFC facing roster uncertainty and Inter Miami riding high from a strong start, this opener is shaping up to be a tough test for the visitors.
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What to Expect in the Season Opener
- Inter Miami will look to dominate possession and rely on Messi, Suárez, and Busquets to break down NYCFC’s defense.
- NYCFC must stay organized defensively and find a way to create scoring chances without Rodríguez pulling the strings.
- Expect a lively atmosphere at DRV PNK Stadium, as Miami fans get their first MLS look at the Messi-Suárez connection.
Can Messi and Suárez light up the scoreboard, or will NYCFC find a way to contain them and pull off an upset?
