Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami, along with its star player Lionel Messi, is gearing up for a world tour ahead of the grueling season. Coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino and midfielder Sergio Busquets emphasized the need to find a balance between the club’s business and sporting interests at the MLS media day. This tour will include seven preseason games in five countries, starting with a match against the El Salvador national team and concluding with a game against Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys.
The team recognizes the importance of both the sporting side and the business growth of the club. Sergio Busquets acknowledged the need to benefit from the financial opportunities while also competitively preparing for the upcoming season. Balancing the physical and logistical challenges of long trips is crucial for the team to be in optimal shape for the season.
Inter Miami has the earliest start in league history, hosting Real Salt Lake on February 21. Being based in Miami presents a travel challenge due to its geographic location. The team will have a taxing travel schedule, including a cross-country trip to Los Angeles just four days after the season opener.
Coach Martino emphasized the need to find a balance between the number of games and player participation in each match. The team has meticulously organized the trips to Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan well in advance to minimize disruptions. As for player commitment, certain contractual obligations require some of the team’s best players to participate in the preseason games.
Inter Miami’s preseason plans are ambitious and differ from traditional MLS standards. While specific revenue projections are not available, the team hopes to generate significant income from its unique preseason schedule. The debut of new striker Luis Suárez, who joins former Barcelona teammates Messi, Jordi Alba, and Busquets in MLS, adds excitement and expectations for the upcoming season.
Sergio Busquets acknowledged the value of having a preseason to establish a clear style of play. In contrast to popular perceptions, he praised the level of play in MLS, stating that it is better than many people think. He highlighted the team’s goal of controlling the game, being tactically prepared, and maintaining high-pressure tactics. While MLS may have more back and forth compared to Spanish football, Busquets believes the overall level of play is comparable.
In anticipation of Lionel Messi’s arrival and the global attention it brings, the league announced a new documentary series on Apple TV+ that will chronicle the 2024 season. Produced by the filmmaker behind the successful Netflix documentary “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” this series aims to capture the excitement and growth of the MLS.
Inter Miami’s world tour and ambitious preseason schedule presents both sporting and business opportunities. Balancing the team’s financial and competitive interests will be crucial for a successful season. With the addition of star players like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, Inter Miami aims to make an impact in the MLS and capture the attention of a global audience. The upcoming season holds promise, and the team’s preparations are laying the foundation for a competitive and successful journey in Major League Soccer.