In the 75th minute, Atlanta United evicted the home supporters from Chase Stadium in Miami, securing a 3-1 victory over Inter Miami, which was led by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
The Miami supporters, who typically remain until the final siren, departed early as the Herons once again encountered difficulty in generating any offensive activity. Despite the return of Messi, Suárez, and Sergio Busquets to the starting lineup, the team managed to register only seven attempts in the second half and an average of 0.64 in expected goals (xG) over the course of 90 minutes. Messi and Suárez were unable to reach their best performance, with an average of 0.26 and 0.18, respectively.
The South Florida club, which achieved the top spot in the MLS table by scoring 19 goals in five games from April 14 to May 12, appeared inert. However, concerns have been expressed regarding whether Miami’s lack of consistency will be a factor in the playoffs, despite the fact that a single setback to an Eastern Conference rival may not have a lasting impact.
With a 10-game fruitless streak and a 12th-place ranking in the Eastern Conference table, Atlanta entered the match. With the return of its star triumvirate and a robust reserve that included Matías Rojas, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Leonardo Campana, the Herons were seen as a heavy favorite. Nevertheless, Miami’s third defeat of the 2024 MLS season — and the first with Messi on the roster — was precipitated by two goals from Saba Lobjanidze and one from Jamal Thiare, following Messi’s strike back.
After the game, Miami coach Gerardo Martino stated, “The conditions were more favorable for us than for them.” “It was a game of football where we had a better situation in the lead-up to the game due to the momentum we were living and our position in the table.”
The defeat was the first time since Barcelona’s 2-1 loss against Celta Vigo on May 16, 2021, that Messi has lost a match while going on the scoresheet at club level.
However, Miami has encountered difficulties on the offensive front in recent games, as they have only managed to score four goals in their last five contests. A mere few days ago, it labored to a 1-0 victory over D.C. United, as the opponent’s five-man backline effectively suppressed Suárez and Messi in the final third. It required a 94th-minute goal from Campana to secure the victory.
Consistency has also been a challenge, as evidenced by Miami’s 3-1 victory over the same D.C. United at Audi Field on March 16, which was characterized by goals from Campana and Suárez, which reflected a robust and well-connected offense. Miami’s dominating performance in that contest was characterized by 17 shots and 51% possession.
A comparable pattern has been observed in Miami’s two encounters with Orlando City in 2024. On March 2, the Herons secured a 5-0 victory, with Suárez and Messi each scoring two goals. However, two months later, they were unable to break the deadlock in a disappointing 0-0 draw.
Miami is currently in the lead of the Eastern Conference table and the Supporters’ Shield standings with 34 points in 17 games, which is the same as the total from the 2023 campaign. Despite these inconsistent results, the team is expected to secure a postseason spot.
Nevertheless, Miami will be compelled to outperform an opponent on multiple occasions over the course of a week due to the postseason format of a best-of-three series in Round 1. Additionally, the Herons have historically encountered difficulties with capacity management. The team has only managed to secure one victory in its six midweek matches this season, succumbing to Monterrey twice in the Concacaf Champions Cup while playing between weekend MLS matches, and now against Atlanta United.
“We have to keep adding points and near the amount needed to statistically qualify for the playoffs,” Martino asserted. “Thereafter, it is imperative that we preserve our current status.” MLS has two tournaments: the regular season, which is used to accumulate points, and the postseason. You could have an exceptional season, secure the first-place position, and then be eliminated in the first round of the postseason after losing one game. It is misleading.
Teams must be prepared to perform throughout the 10-month regular season and maintain momentum as they approach the four-week postseason tournament in order to win an MLS Cup. As demonstrated by St. Louis City in 2023, a record-breaking regular season may prove to be of little consequence in the context of the postseason. The team finished first in the Western Conference table before being eliminated in the first round.
It will be necessary for Messi and Miami to exhibit greater consistency and adaptability in order to create history. At present, anything is possible.
Man City: Is it time to part ways with Silva and De Bruyne?
Manchester City is in an exceptionally advantageous position, both financially and in terms of their roster. However, there are always opportunities for advancement and refinement, and recent history indicates that they are quite disciplined regarding contract lengths and compensation.
For instance, Kevin De Bruyne’s extension was for a mere two seasons, despite the fact that it will extend his career until he reaches the age of 34. The transfers of Raheem Sterling, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Gabriel Jesus demonstrate that City are practicing what they preach, as Pep Guardiola has explicitly stated that he will not compel players to remain (or, if they do, it will be on the club’s terms). The trio had been crucial contributors and were being transferred on, as their contracts were coming to an end.
Two factors are currently in the background. Although both are significant, they will not necessarily influence City’s summer decisions, as they are currently uncertain.
One is Guardiola’s contract, which is set to expire in 13 months. He seemingly possesses the political and sporting capital to pursue his desires following eight seasons of success. It is evident that he has the option to remain for an indefinite period, and the club will not penalize him for abruptly departing (provided that he provides sufficient advance notice, which you assume he will). However, Guardiola has suggested that the upcoming season may be his final.
Other counts include the 115 allegations of financial irregularity that the Premier League lodged against City in February 2023. These could lead to significant penalties, the stripping of trophies, and the possibility of relegation, all of which would have a significant impact. Nevertheless, we and the City are currently unaware of the outcome of the hearing (in fact, no date has been disclosed, although we anticipate it will take place in the autumn of 2024).
Consequently, City must operate under the assumption that they will not be found culpable (or at least not face a significant sanction). Additionally, they must operate as if Guardiola will remain in the medium term.
Editor’s note: This is the inaugural installment of the Keep or Dump series for the upcoming weeks, which will focus on the players that the top clubs in the Premier League and Europe should retain, extend, and sell.
RETAIN OR DISPOSE OF GROUND RULES
Please bear in mind that this is our evaluation of the club’s potential actions, player by player, with the current squad. Although occasionally the two may coincide, it is not the behavior we anticipate. Nevertheless, we consider the club’s financial situation, coaching staff, player preferences, and any other factors that we believe will influence personnel movements, in addition to our knowledge of the club and its personnel.
If we are in disagreement or believe that our reasoning warrants further explanation, we have indicated it below.
GOALKEEPERS
Éderson (30 years old; contract expires in 2026)
Marcotti: He is among the most talented individuals in the world and is an ideal match for the system. You anticipate that you will negotiate a new agreement with him within the next six months.
Conclusion: Maintain and extend his contract.
Stefan Ortega (December 31, 2025)
Ogden: He desires to participate in games on a consistent basis; however, this is not feasible while Éderson is present. Additionally, they would have extended his contract if they intended to retain him. With only one year remaining, it may be feasible to negotiate a fee for him, which could range from £5-8 million or slightly higher.
Marcotti: He has been effective when he has been on the field, and he has made more appearances than the majority of reserves in the past two seasons, with over 30. However, I concur that he is not a suitable long-term replacement for Éderson due to his age. It is advisable to progress and cultivate a long-term successor.
Conclusion: Proceed onward
Scott Carson (38, 2025)
Marcotti: He has been employed for five years and has made two appearances; he functions as an additional goalkeeping coach. He was content with the position, as was Guardiola, and there was no reason not to continue.
Conclusion: On May 23, a new one-year contract was executed.
SUPPORTERS
Rúben Dias (26 years old; contract expires in 2027)
Result: Retain
Josko Gvardiol (February 22, 2028)
Result: Retain
Manuel Akanji (February 28, 2027)
Result: Retain
Nathan Aké (29, 2027)
Ogden: He is currently elder and is unlikely to be included in their initial back four. There is a market for him; if you can secure a price of £30 million or more, it is logical to sell him and potentially recruit a younger player.
Marcotti: I understand your perspective; all members of this defense, with the exception of Dias and Gvardiol, are 28 years of age or older. Consequently, you should consider the future. However, he continued to contribute significantly in terms of playing time on the field over the past two seasons. I am uncertain as to the amount you can obtain for him, given that he has three years remaining on City wages.
Conclusion: Achieve a balance between maintaining and discontinuing.
John Stones (30, 2026)
Ogden is an exceptional athlete; however, his numerous injuries have resulted in numerous game-day absences. He has an ample amount of time to demonstrate his fitness, so there is no immediate necessity to extend his contract.
Conclusion: Maintain; however, refrain from extending.
Sergio Gómez (23, 2026)
Ogden: Before extending his contract, it is important to consider the possibility that he could develop into a regular. Therefore, please take the next six months to make a decision. You may always attempt to relocate him in January.
Result: Retain
Rico Lewis (19, 2028)
Result: Retain
Kyle Walker (34, 2026)
Result: Retain
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (22, 2025, on loan at Southampton)
Ogden: They are essentially compelled to make the transfer permanent for £20m if they secure promotion to the Premier League, as his loan to Southampton included an obligation to do so. He has departed after defeating Leeds on Sunday.
Final Conclusion: Proceeding further
João Cancelo (29, 2027, on loan at Barcelona)
Marcotti: His extension will be remembered as one of the few blemishes on the club’s personnel decisions in recent years. I am uncertain as to how he will be able to return; therefore, you must secure a loan for him. I believe that Barcelona will require some time to determine whether they wish to retain him, and even then, City will likely be required to fund a portion of his salary. It is the wages, in addition to the fact that he was unsuccessful on loan at Bayern, that render him challenging to relocate permanently.
Conclusion: Borrow money and subsequently relocate.
Yan Couto (21, 2025, currently on loan at Girona)
Ogden: He has demonstrated his ability to contribute during his four-season loan period. Provide him with a new contract and the opportunity to compete for a position at right-back.
Marcotti: Despite his accomplishments at Girona, I am uncertain if he is prepared to make an immediate impact at City due to his youth and stature. I would consider extending his contract and subsequently seeking to lease him out, potentially returning to Girona.
Result: The decision is to either retain him or extend his contract/loan out again.
Issa Kaboré (23, 2025, on loan at Luton Town)
Marcotti: I believe he performed admirably for Luton in challenging circumstances and demonstrated his potential as a Premier League player; however, it is unlikely that he would be the right fit for City. It is advisable to relocate him this summer. You will receive a sum of money, possibly between £5-8 million, as he is only 23 years old.
Conclusion: Proceed onward
MIDFIELDERS
Rodri (27 years old; contract expires in 2027)
Result: Retain
Matheus Nunes (25, 2028)
Result: Retain
Mateo Kovacic (30, 2027)
Result: Retain
Bernardo Silva (December 29, 2026)
Ogden: He is unwilling to sign a new contract and is eager to depart; however, no one can afford him. It is advisable to remain in place and attend to the proposals. If he decides to remain, it is not a concern, as you are confident that he will make a valuable contribution.
Marcotti: It is an unusual situation; he has been employed there for seven years and will be turning 30 this summer. It would be unjust to condemn him if he desired to pursue an unfamiliar experience elsewhere. However, with only two years remaining, he has limited leverage, and City may legitimately request a substantial transfer fee. He would have to coerce a shift, which would be an extreme measure.
Conclusion: Maintain his employment, but refrain from renewing his contract and consider alternative proposals.
Kevin De Bruyne (32, 2025)
Ogden: This is comparable to the Riyad Mahrez situation, in which he departed for Al Ahli last summer. He was a significant figure; however, they received a substantial offer, and he departed. If the price is reasonable and De Bruyne wishes to depart, it is preferable to relinquish him. Given his ailments, it is unlikely that you will provide him with a new contract when his current one expires at the age of 34.
Conclusion: Maintain the status quo; however, consider the available alternatives.
Kalvin Phillips (28, 2028, on loan at West Ham United)
Ogden: Allow him to depart, even if it necessitates subsidizing his wages, provided that you locate a club that is prepared to accept him. Given his performances and the fact that he has only started five league games in the past two seasons, it will be exceedingly difficult to transfer him for a transfer fee.
Conclusion: Borrow money and subsequently relocate.
James McAtee (21, 2026, on loan at Sheffield United)
Ogden is a technically adept midfielder who has the potential to develop, but City is not the right environment for him. I do not believe that there is a risk of him becoming a repeat of Cole Palmer if you transfer him and can secure a fee in the £10 million range.
Conclusion: Proceed onward
(18, 2028, on loan at River Plate)
Marcotti: In January, they spent approximately £12.5 million on him and subsequently placed him on loan at River, where he started numerous games. Despite the fact that work permit regulations have been relaxed in England, which would allow City to register him if they desired, it is likely more advantageous to loan him out. The dilemma is whether to allow him to continue to develop at River or to relocate him to a different location in Europe, such as Girona.
Conclusion: The loan has been repaid.
Máximo Perrone (on loan at Las Palmas until 21st of 2028)
Las Palmas’ Marcotti was a starter for a significant portion of the season and was instrumental in the team’s retention in LaLiga. He will not receive substantial playing time with Nunes and Kovacic present. Therefore, it would be prudent to loan him out once more and observe his ongoing development.
Conclusion: The loan has been repaid.
UPWARDS
Jack Grealish (28 years old; contract expires in 2027)
Ogden: This is a period of evaluation for him. He did not have a particularly successful year, and there is no justification for extending his contract unless he demonstrates that he can regain his form. If not, you will attempt to relocate him during the upcoming summer.
Conclusion: Maintain; however, refrain from extending.
Jérémy Doku (21, 2028)
Result: Retain
Phil Foden (24, 2027)
Ogden: He signed a new contract in October 2022; however, his performance over the past 18 months, which includes 43 goals, warrants a raise.
Conclusion: Maintain and extend his contract.
Oscar Bobb (20, 2029)
Marcotti: The fact that he signed a lengthy contract indicates that they have a strong faith in him. I anticipate that he will accumulate an increasing number of minutes in the upcoming season.
Result: Retain
Julián Álvarez (24, 2028)
Conclusion: Maintain; however, pursue enhancements.
Erling Haaland (23, 2027)
Ogden: It is evident that he has a career trajectory; however, I am uncertain as to his next steps. We both suspect that he has a clause in his contract that would permit him to depart for a specific fee. However, at this time, Real Madrid is on the brink of signing Kylian Mbappé, and there is really no other option for him.
Marcotti: There is a general lack of transparency regarding the existence of the release clause. If it is present, it is important to ensure that it is removed when discussing the possibility of extending his contract, which is likely to occur next summer. However, it is unlikely that he will opt for this option. There, he possesses the leverage.
Result: Retain
OVERALL OPINION
Guardiola’s future at the club will be a significant factor, as Man City are evidently in excellent condition.
In the event that his contract expires or is extended by a year, it is reasonable to anticipate that he will maintain his current approach and only make minor adjustments, such as incorporating a succession plan for Silva and De Bruyne or supplementing the back line. A tactical redesign, which he has implemented every few years throughout his tenure, is a possibility if the length is extended. In any case, he may also consider incorporating a striker who can either partner with Haaland (or out wide) or serve as a replacement when Haaland is unavailable.
At present, Julian Álvarez is the sole viable alternative. Although he is a talented player, his skill set and approach to the game are fundamentally distinct from those of Haaland.
Dissecting Messi’s travel miles for Inter Miami and Argentina
What are the events that you consider to be must-see in 2024? The opportunity to witness a 5-foot-7 Argentine soccer player named Lionel Messi play soccer in the United States has been equally exciting this year, as there is a high demand for NFL tickets and the seismic attraction of international pop vocalist Taylor Swift, to name just two. In order to guarantee this, he is conducting an extensive body of work.
Last year, Swift’s Eras Tour broke numerous records, including the title of the highest-grossing tour of all time. The tour covered a total of 65,069 miles in 23 countries across five continents over the course of nearly two years. The Chiefs traveled over 28,000 miles in their pursuit of another Super Bowl title, playing 23 games (including preseason and postseason) and playing a game against the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany. Messi, on the other hand, is fundamentally constructed differently when it pertains to travel.
The 36-year-old Argentine is currently in a distinctive economic and logistical situation as he enters the first complete year of a 2½-year contract with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, which is owned by David Beckham. Messi’s schedule is beyond absurd, despite the fact that soccer players in Europe are subject to extensive travel, particularly if they are contending in UEFA club competitions. He is not only participating in the Copa América for his national team, which is also being hosted in the United States, but he is also playing across North America for his club, which operates on a March to November schedule, in contrast to the European leagues where Messi previously played, which operated from August to May and provided a brief respite during the summer.
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The dizzying schedule that Messi faces as he endeavors to defend the Albicelestes’ continental crown, which they won in 2021, is a result of the combination of his Argentina responsibilities and significant domestic travel. Miami, which is located in the extreme southeastern U.S., necessitates a lengthy journey to most of its road games.
The prices of tickets to see Messi in the sky blue and white of Argentina (Copa América group stage tickets average in the $300 range) or the hot pink of Inter Miami on the road (up to $1,000 per ticket) have reached exorbitant. It is not without controversy, either: Messi has already missed a few games for club and country in 2024 due to injuries or rest. The Vancouver Whitecaps issued a statement before the game, which caused disappointment for fans who spent over 250 Canadian dollars ($180) to witness his magic up close.
Messi is not the only player with a demanding schedule. Jude Bellingham (England) and Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) will compete for Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. Following the match, they will return to their respective national teams to prepare for additional high-level competitive soccer events this summer, including the Euros in Germany and the Copa América in the United States. The Euro and Copa finals are scheduled for July 14. If either of the teams advances to the finals, they will only have a brief respite before their club, Real Madrid, commences its preseason tour of the United States on July 31.
The UEFA Champions League, which will commence its expanded Swiss model format in 2024-25 with 36 teams instead of 32, and the 2026 World Cup, which will expand from 32 to 48 teams, may also result in more unpredictable itineraries for elite players in the future.
Messi is expected to accumulate numerous frequent flier miles, as Argentina is the odds-on favorite to retain the Copa América trophy in the United States (+175 at ESPN BET) and Inter Miami is the favorite to win the MLS Cup with their star-studded team (+180 at ESPN BET). Let us examine the extent to which this year could be taxing for the GOAT.
Preseason
Inter Miami conducted a preseason tour that was nearly as extensive as the earth’s circumference prior to the commencement of the MLS season. They commenced their seven-game, 23,698-mile journey in El Salvador to play the national team. Subsequently, they returned to the United States and subsequently traveled to Asia, where they made visits in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan, although they were unable to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo. Afterward, they returned to Florida for their final warm-up encounter against Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s boyhood club.
This tour was not only controversial due to its scope — Miami was attempting to capitalize on the global marketability of its superstar, who has been accompanied by former Barca teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez — but also for the first time, Messi failed to appear. After Messi was unable to play on February 4 due to an injury, fans in Hong Kong demanded a refund. The absence of Messi provoked outrage, as the average ticket price for a game in which he did not participate was 4,880 Hong Kong dollars ($624). The Government of Hong Kong also expressed disappointment in his absence.
The situation was further exacerbated when Messi was observed training in Japan prior to his match against Vissel Kobe three days later. Consequently, the organizers canceled Argentina’s friendlies in China that were scheduled for the following month. Messi would subsequently address the matter, attributing his absence from the Hong Kong match to an adductor injury.
Nevertheless, Inter Miami traversed five distinct countries across two continents in a mere 26 days, covering nearly 24,000 miles. In addition, their season would not commence until they returned to Fort Lauderdale from Tokyo, which would be after another week.
Regular season
Many Major League Soccer (MLS) teams find it challenging to travel across the United States and Canada. The distance between the stadiums of New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls can be as short as 45 minutes, while the journey from Massachusetts, where the New England Revolution play, to the Vancouver Whitecaps can be as long as six hours. Messi completed a full round-the-world voyage when Inter Miami faced the LA Galaxy in February for their second game of the MLS season. Despite missing six games since then, including travels to Nashville (797 miles), New York City (1,067 miles), and Washington, D.C., Messi achieved this feat. (900 miles) — he has still accrued more than 14,000 miles to his 2024 total in just three months.
Messi could potentially travel 317 miles to Canada for their match against Toronto FC after their away match against the Columbus Crew on Oct. 2. His longest Inter Miami trip of the year was on that date with LA Galaxy, when he departed Fort Lauderdale for Carson, California, on a 2,329-mile journey.
Then there are the games in which he did not appear. Had the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner been able to board the aircraft, the 2,786-mile journey to Vancouver (and subsequent 2-1 victory) would have been his longest journey of the year. Additionally, he was absent from the 183-mile journey north to Orlando. You will have the greatest opportunity to observe him in person at either a game in the eastern United States (away to NYCFC on Sep. 21) or at home at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, where Inter Miami has nine more regular-season games, due to his international obligations with Argentina.
Messi’s itinerary would exceed nearly 35,000 miles if he participated in each Miami game on the schedule.
Competing for Argentina
Messi will also seek to participate in what could be one of his final tournaments for Argentina, despite the fact that Inter Miami is currently dominating the league after 16 matches and is the overwhelming favorite to win the MLS Cup.
In an 18-month period, Messi achieved his first FIFA World Cup (and his country’s first since 1986) and delivered Argentina’s first Copa América title since 1993 (beating Brazil 1-0 in 2021) after nearly two decades of service for his country. He will endeavor to achieve Argentina’s fourth consecutive Copa América title this summer.
Argentina, the defending champions with a base in south Florida, will not have to travel a significant distance during the group stage. They will play in Atlanta (vs. Canada), East Rutherford, New Jersey (vs. Chile), and Miami (vs. Peru). This entails a total of 2,383 miles of travel up and down the East Coast in three matches. Fortunately for him, the Copa is being hosted in the United States. In the event that they also emerge victorious in their group and advance to the final, they would be required to travel an additional 4,000 miles to the Miami Dolphins’ stadium for the final, followed by a semifinal in East Rutherford.
Also, do not anticipate that the situation will subside beyond that point. Argentina immediately transitions into World Cup mode in September, playing six qualifiers over a three-month period during the final months of the MLS season. Trips to Paraguay, Venezuela, and Colombia are scheduled. Messi will be required to travel a minimum of 24,449 miles between the two continents if Inter Miami qualifies for the MLS Cup semifinals. However, this distance could be extended if Tata Martino’s team makes a significant postseason run. The second leg of a prospective MLS quarterfinal is scheduled for November 12, immediately preceding Argentina’s World Cup cycle games on November 14 and 19. The MLS Eastern Conference semifinals will commence on November 25.
It is important to remember that this season is relatively typical for Messi. However, given that it is the conclusion of a distinguished 20-year career, it is evident that there is a greater emphasis on strategy and planning in terms of the timing and method of his much-needed recuperation. Although he continues to perform at a high level, with 833 goals and counting, and 10 goals and 10 assists in just 855 minutes for Miami so far in 2024, it is also important to consider the magnitude of the travel times.
If Messi had been able to travel to every match this year for Inter Miami and Argentina, he would have accumulated 87,513 miles in total, or approximately 1,823 miles per journey. This would have equated to nearly three trips around the world in 2024. With the soccer calendar expanding, new tournaments emerging for clubs and national teams, and a global spectator base eager to witness the world’s finest, it is conceivable that someone will surpass Messi in terms of mileage in the near future.