Overview

• Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are preparing for a world tour ahead of the Major League Soccer season, with games in five countries including Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan.
• Inter Miami will host Real Salt Lake in the league's first game of the season on Feb. 21, marking the earliest start in league history.
• Inter Miami, despite not making the playoffs last season, is seen as a frontrunner for the 2024 MLS Cup due to the presence of Messi and other high-profile players like Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
• Messi's presence in the MLS has significantly increased global interest in the league, with ticket demand for Inter Miami matches being the highest in the league.
• Despite the excitement, there are concerns about the physical demands on Messi and his teammates, given their age and the grueling schedule that includes international duties and major international tournaments.