Lionel Messi was celebrated by his MLS club, Inter Miami, following his historic Copa América win with Argentina, marking his 45th career title. This achievement makes him the most decorated footballer in history.
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Celebratory Event Highlights
- Presentation: Before Inter Miami’s 2-1 league win over the Chicago Fire at Chase Stadium, club president Jorge Mas presented Messi with a commemorative picture showcasing a montage of images of all the trophies Messi has won, displaying the number 45.
- Mas’s Speech: “Tonight, we celebrate a great milestone for our captain Leo Messi in becoming the footballer who has lifted the most trophies in the history of the sport,” Mas said. “And I am sure he won’t stop at 45; we hope he can lift more in the future.”
- Fireworks and Video: The event featured fireworks and a video highlighting Messi’s significant achievements throughout his career.
- Instagram Post: Messi expressed his gratitude on Instagram, saying, “Thank you very much for the recognition, @intermiamicf! It was a pleasure to be able to share this moment with our people on the field.”
Messi’s Achievements
- Career Overview: Messi won 35 of his 45 trophies during his 17 seasons at Barcelona, including four Champions League titles. He added more silverware during his two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023, where he helped the club win its first trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Injury Concerns
- Protective Boot: Messi, 37, wore a protective boot during the ceremony due to a ligament injury in his right ankle sustained during Argentina’s 2-1 win over Colombia in the Copa América final.
- Recovery Timeline: Inter Miami coach Tata Martino stated that Messi’s ankle will be evaluated weekly, with no clear timeline for his return. This injury casts doubt on his participation in the upcoming Leagues Cup and possibly the MLS All-Star game.
Inter Miami’s Performance Without Messi
- Recent Matches: Inter Miami has been in strong form, winning six out of seven matches without Messi since the Copa América began. The team secured another victory against Chicago with goals from Matias Rojas and Jordi Alba.
- Playoff Position: Inter Miami holds a first-place lead in the MLS Eastern Conference with 53 points, which strengthens their playoff position. The team’s depth and performance have kept them competitive, even in Messi’s absence.
- Future Prospects: With their current standing, Inter Miami is well-positioned for a strong playoff run, potentially allowing Messi to return fully fit and contribute to their postseason success.
Conclusion
Inter Miami’s tribute to Lionel Messi underscores his unparalleled success and significant impact on the club and football world. Despite his current injury, the team’s robust performance keeps hopes high for continued success and Messi’s eventual return to the pitch.
