Messi is proud of his three months playing for Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi is proud of winning the Leagues Cup, reaching the final of the US National Cup, and fighting until the final rounds of the MLS Eastern Conference.

"Proud of everything Inter Miami has achieved this season," Messi wrote on Instagram on October 22nd, right after Inter Miami's final game of the 2023 season. "With everyone's efforts, we won the Leagues Cup, our first ever title, reached the final of the MLS Cup, and fought for a playoff spot in the MLS Cup until the very last minute."

Messi also thanked Inter Miami fans, the people of Miami, and other supporters. He expects the team to improve in the coming year to be more competitive. "I'm sure we will continue to have great moments together like in the past few months," Messi added. "A hug to everyone."

Messi and his teammates lift the League Cup after the final match on August 20th. Photo: AFP — Messi and his teammates lift the League Cup after the final match on August 20th. Photo: *AFP*

Messi started playing for Inter Miami on July 21st, after joining on a free transfer. Prior to that, the 36-year-old striker's contract with PSG had expired. Shortly after his move, Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup, a mixed tournament between clubs from the MLS and the Mexican league. This was the club's first title in five years since its founding. Messi personally scored 10 goals in that campaign, also winning the Golden Boot.

Messi also helped Inter Miami reach the MLS Cup final after a 5-4 penalty shootout victory against FC Cincinnati, the 2023 MLS league leaders (3-3 draw after 120 minutes). In total, in 14 games for his new team, the 36-year-old striker scored 11 goals and provided three assists.

Messi's winning streak in the US was only halted by injury. During the World Cup winner's absence, Inter Miami lost 1-2 to Houston Dynamo in the US National Cup final and several other matches. They finished 14th out of 15 teams in the MLS Eastern Conference, meaning they did not qualify for the playoffs for the top nine teams.

On November 5th and 8th, Inter Miami will play two friendly club matches in China. After that, the team will take a break until January 2024, before returning to prepare for the new season which begins in late February.

According to media reports, Inter Miami may loan Messi to a European club during the winter transfer window. However, the Argentine striker has denied this.

Thanh Quy (via Instagram )

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