Lionel Messi Is Inter Miami’s Biggest Asset—He’s Also Their Biggest Problem

As Lionel Messi scolded Rodrigo De Paul on Saturday in Inter Miami’s eventual 2–1 loss, it became clear just how fed up the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is becoming this season.

Less than a year removed from leading Miami to the MLS Cup—earning the Golden Boot and MVP honors in the process, Messi has shown immense frustration. Inter Miami look closer to the disaster they were before the soccer legend arrived in 2023—ranking last in MLS—than the team supposed to contend for every trophy.