Frank Christian
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are aiming for Major League Soccer success in 2024 with promising results so far.
In their season opener, Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory against Real Salt Lake in a match marred by sloppiness. Messi played a key role, assisting Robert Taylor’s goal and setting up Diego Gomez for the second goal. Although he dazzled in a win over Orlando City, his absence in the match against Montreal led to a defeat for Tata Martino’s team.
A tumultuous preseason for Messi was highlighted by controversy over a decision to rest due to an injury. His choice to skip a friendly against an All-Star XI in Hong Kong sparked anger among fans and officials, serving as a cautionary tale for MLS clubs contemplating global tours.
Despite Messi’s recent absence at the Copa America, Tata Martino has successfully blended youth and experience, placing Inter at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
The Sporting News offers the latest details on Lionel Messi’s schedule and the complete MLS, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup calendar for Inter Miami.
Next Match for Lionel Messi with Inter Miami
Messi missed the 3-1 victory over Toronto FC due to an ankle sprain sustained during the Copa America. Federico Redondo, his compatriot, scored twice to secure Inter Miami’s sixth consecutive MLS win.
Inter Miami’s upcoming game is against Chicago Fire on Sunday, July 21.
- Date: Saturday, July 20
- Time (ET): 7:30 p.m.
- Competition: MLS
- Match: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire (Chase Stadium — Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
- TV (USA): None
- Streaming (USA): MLS Season Pass from Apple TV
Full Fixture List for Inter Miami in the 2024 Season
CONCACAF Champions Cup
As the 2023 Leagues Cup champions, Inter Miami received a bye to the Round of 16 where they defeated MLS side Nashville SC over two legs. However, their journey was cut short as Monterrey eliminated them with a 5-2 aggregate score in the quarterfinals.
| Matchup | First Leg | Second Leg | Aggregate |
| R16: Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC | 2-2 (A) | 3-1 (H) | 5-3 |
| QF: Inter Miami vs. Monterrey | 1-2 (H) | 1-3 (A) | 2-5 |
MLS
Inter Miami began their 2024 MLS season with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake at home in late February, being part of the first match of the league campaign.
Their regular season will conclude on October 19 with a match against the New England Revolution on Decision Day.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result |
| Wednesday, Feb. 21 | Real Salt Lake | Chase Stadium (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) | W 2-0 |
| Sunday, Feb. 25 | LA Galaxy | Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson, CA) | D 1-1 |
**Upcoming Matches Schedule**
– **Wed, Sep. 11** – Opponent: Cincinnati FC – Stadium: Nippert Stadium (Cincinnati, OH)
– **Sat, Sep. 14** – Opponent: Chicago Fire – Stadium: Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)
– **Wed, Sep. 18** – Opponent: Atlanta United – Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
– **Sat, Sep. 21** – Opponent: NYCFC – Stadium: Yankee Stadium (New York City, NY)
– **Sat, Sep. 28** – Opponent: Charlotte FC – Stadium: Chase Stadium (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
– **Wed, Oct. 2** – Opponent: Columbus Crew – Stadium: Lower.com Field (Columbus, OH)
– **Sat, Oct. 5** – Opponent: Toronto – Stadium: BMO Field (Toronto, Canada)
– **Sat, Oct. 19** – Opponent: New England Revolution – Stadium: Chase Stadium (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
*Lionel Messi did not participate in the matches.*
**Leagues Cup**
The 2024 Leagues Cup will commence on **July 26** and will run for a month during the MLS season break. The **final** is set to be held on **August 25**, following which MLS league matches will resume. Inter Miami has been drawn against Mexican clubs Tigres UNAL and Puebla in the group stage. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, while the third-ranked team is eliminated.
Inter Miami holds the title of defending champions after securing victory in the 2023 tournament by defeating Nashville SC in the final via penalty shootout.
**Leagues Cup Match Schedule**
– **Group Stage** – Sat, Jul. 27 – Opponent: Puebla
– **Group Stage** – Sat, Aug. 3 – Opponent: Tigres
– **Round of 32** – Aug. 7-9 – TBD (if qualified)
– **Round of 16** – Aug. 12-13 – TBD (if qualified)
– **Quarterfinals** – Aug. 16-17 – TBD (if qualified)
– **Semifinals** – Aug. 20-21 – TBD (if qualified)
– **Final** – Sun, Aug. 25 – TBD (if qualified)
