Messi's Magic: How the GOAT Transformed Inter Miami's Fortune with Stunning Stats

Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami in 2023 has proven to be an overwhelming triumph by virtually every metric.

Following the Argentinian superstar's debut, the franchise has captured the Leagues Cup and the Supporters' Shield, with Messi's scoring prowess, creative playmaking, and moments of magic serving as pivotal factors in their ascension. The sole remaining major domestic trophy absent from their collection is the MLS Cup—however, based on Messi's current form and the squad's displays during most of the 2025 campaign, that aspiration appears entirely achievable.

Nevertheless, Messi's Miami experience hasn't been without blemishes. There have been sporadic rough patches where, for various reasons (typically unrelated to Messi's performance), the team simply fails to gel properly on the field for the Herons.

In this analysis, we examine Inter Miami's comprehensive performance record since Messi's signing—and contrast it with the team's results prior to his arrival.

Inter Miami's Complete Performance Record Since Messi's Arrival

Since Messi officially joined Inter Miami as a player in July 2023, the organization has participated in 104 competitive fixtures spanning all tournaments—encompassing Major League Soccer, the Leagues Cup, the Concacaf Champions Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and additional competitions.

From those encounters, Miami has secured 56 victories, suffered 23 defeats, and recorded 25 draws (with penalty shootout wins in elimination rounds classified as ties in this context).

Messi personally has participated in 71 of those contests, being absent for the remainder due to national team commitments and assorted injuries. When the Argentine is present on the pitch, Miami's statistics show marked improvement: 39 victories, 13 defeats, and 19 draws.

Inter Miami's Statistics Since Messi's Signing

Notable Defeats Inter Miami Suffered With Messi Present

With only 13 losses across 71 appearances for Inter Miami, Messi's track record has been exceptionally impressive. However, the Argentine has been present during several significant—and expensive—setbacks.

Regarding the most lopsided results, Miami's 4–1 MLS loss to Minnesota United in May 2025 is notable, although Messi did find the net in that match. More devastating was the 4–0 defeat against defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. While the outcome was rarely in question, Messi's individual performance still earned considerable praise, despite his teammates' inability to match his level.

The most agonizing losses, though, weren't necessarily the most one-sided.

The 2024 MLS Cup playoffs brought Miami tumbling back to reality. Following their Supporters' Shield triumph, they were anticipated to maintain that form through to the championship. Instead, they stumbled at the opening stage against Atlanta United—claiming one victory but dropping two matches, including a crushing 3–2 home defeat.

Likewise, the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals delivered devastation. After appearing invincible during their journey to the final four, Miami were thoroughly dominated by fellow MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps, falling 5–1 across both legs. Cruz Azul, nevertheless, did Miami a service in the final—demolishing Vancouver 5–0 in one of the most lopsided championship matches in tournament history.

Contrasting Inter Miami's Performance Before and After Messi's Arrival

The reality that Inter Miami has claimed both the Supporters' Shield and the Leagues Cup following Messi's arrival reveals virtually everything about his transformative effect. Prior to the Argentine's signing, the franchise—established in 2018—had never secured any silverware.

Examine the statistics more closely, however, and the data makes his contribution even more apparent.

During the three and a half seasons preceding Messi's arrival (Miami commenced competition in 2020), the club contested 121 competitive matches across all tournaments, achieving 43 wins, 59 losses, and 19 draws. This represents a victory rate of merely 36% and a defeat rate of 59%.

Following Messi's signing, the overall success percentage has risen to 54%, while the defeat percentage has fallen to 22%. Focus specifically on matches featuring Messi, and the figures become even more impressive: a 55% victory rate and merely an 18% defeat rate.

Beyond the statistics, Messi's reputation alone has elevated Inter Miami into one of the most commercially attractive clubs globally, dramatically increasing their revenue streams and worldwide recognition. Both on the field and in business terms, acquiring Messi has undeniably been the finest decision in the organization's brief existence.