Inter Miami Lionel Messi

Before superstars Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets arrived in the MLS, Inter Miami drama gave Lionel Messi a lifeline. To maintain their tenuous playoff aspirations, the Herons grabbed a thrilling point against the Columbus Crew.

It is simple to overlook the fact that Inter Miami has had a somewhat forgettable season on the pitch after spectacular transfers and the promise of additional deals.

Even if it seems like a long time ago, Phil Neville was only fired from his position as head coach of the Herons a little over a month ago, when the team was languishing at the bottom of the MLS Western Conference. Since then, things haven't exactly changed either, and the ailing team entered its most recent match having lost seven straight games.

There is actually no doubt that reinforcements have long been needed if they are to stop the decline given their record of just five victories and thirteen losses during this current campaign. The MLS transfer window is already open, which is a blessing for the ambitious owners of the young team who want to add fresh players.

Arriving superstars Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets will, however, have their job cut out for them once they arrive in America. Having said that, despite the South Beach team's struggles thus far this season, a thrilling 2-2 tie in the dying seconds against the Columbus Crew will give the team's newest members hope that they can turn things around.

When Ohio's opponents scored on either side of a goal by Leonardo Campana to make it 2-1 in extra time, it appeared as though Vice City was about to suffer yet another loss. With a well-placed left-footed volley, Darlington Nagbe gave the Crew the lead, but Miami quickly answered through Campana, who headed the ball past custodian Patrick Schulte.

They were level for just 12 minutes, however, Inter Miami's defence unit lost focus, allowing Christian Ramirez to seem to lead his club to a victory on the road. However, it was fortunate that Josef Martinez was there to give his team a point and prevent their seventh loss in eight games.

The vivacious Campana delivered a precisely placed cross into the box, finding the Venezuelan forward who was able to score with a magnificent bicycle kick and enter league history in the process. The 30-year-old striker tied Dwayne De Rosario for the ninth-most goals in MLS history with his 104th regular-season goal. The striker was a prolific goalscorer for his previous team Atlanta United.

The outcome means that Inter Miami's players have gained points in their last two contests as new head coach Tata Martino watches on. Once his work visa is approved, the former Barcelona and Argentina manager will be tasked with orchestrating a rise up the standings in the upcoming months. He represents yet another victory for the team.

The club's newcomers will now be hoping that the point against the Crew keeps their playoff aspirations alive even though they have gone nine league games without a victory. The Floridan team is currently in the final playoff spot after 20 rounds, about nine points behind Montreal.

For the team to have a chance of qualifying for the premier postseason tournament, they must remain within striking distance of the teams above them. Messi is scheduled to play his debut game in a Herons uniform against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21.

When will Messi make his Inter Miami debut?

With a small adjustment to the 2023 Leagues Cup schedule, Lionel Messi will receive centre stage treatment on his Inter Miami debut. WHAT OCCURED? The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is anticipated to debut for his new MLS team on July 21 against Cruz Azul.

Is Messi about to join Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi has been the subject of much conjecture in Barcelona and elsewhere recently regarding his whereabouts, but he has now officially announced that he will be joining Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.