There were many factors leading to Lionel Messi’s sensational move to Inter Miami this summer, but it has now been claimed that one man had a bigger impact than anyone in his arrival. Whilst Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham did play a huge part in bringing Messi,

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino is to wait until the day of the US Open Cup final against Houston Dynamo before deciding on Lionel Messi’s fitness.

Messi has now missed or exited six consecutive games between club and country, and is questionable for Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo.

How and why the spectacle of Messi Mania is showing to be one part of a greater vision that ownership is instilling in the club and its communities: the Freedom To Dream.

Messi has scored 13 goals in 26 matches at the FIFA World Cup, across five editions (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022) as the highest goal-scorer for Argentina in the tournament's history. He won the Golden Ball Award in 2014 and 2022 but was edged out in the 2022 Golden Boot race by former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe.

Inter Miami managed to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a hard-fought draw vs. Orlando City, despite the absence of Lionel Messi

The U.S. Open Cup doesn't generate a ton of regular buzz, but with Messi in the mix, all eyes will be on Inter Miami vs. Houston on Wednesday night.

Although top players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba play for Inter Miami, the club management would not rule out signing even more football.

Discover Lionel Messi's post-playing career ambitions as he transitions to Inter Miami. From legendary player to potential sporting director?

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham.

With that in mind, we broke down Sunday's MLS contest and made an Inter Miami vs. Orlando City prediction using odds provided by PointsBet Sportsbook. Become a NEW PointsBet member now, and you can unlock up to $1,