When Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami start the 2024 MLS season

While the majority of European leagues have just passed the halfway point of their seasons, that isn't the case across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Major League Soccer campaign in the United States kicks off shortly and that means that Lionel Messi is closing in on a return to competitive action. The Argentine isn't the only superstar at the DRV PNK Stadium, with Luis Suarez the latest to join the sizeable ex-Barcelona contingent in Florida.

So, when are Messi and his Inter Miami teammates back in action in MLS?

When does the 2024 MLS season begin?

The 29th season of MLS, the 2024 campaign kicks off on the 22 February and the regular season will run all the way until October. Messi's Inter Miami will play the first match, facing off against Real Salt Lake at 01:00 (GMT) on the opening day.

Inter Miami are part of the Eastern Conference and will play 34 matches during the league phase in a bid to reach the play-offs come October.

If they can do so, they will then compete with other sides from the Eastern Conference until the eventual MLS Cup final on 7 December against the team that navigates the Western Conference play-off route.

Inter Miami's first five MLS fixtures

How did Inter Miami fare last season?

Inter Miami endured a difficult 2023 season in MLS, with David Beckham's franchise finishing 14th from 15 teams in the Eastern Conference and 27th out of 29 sides in the overall table across the two divisions.

Messi couldn't help his side get anywhere near the play-offs, with Inter Miami winning just nine of their 34 regular season matches and suffering 18 defeats. It was the Herons' lowest finish since becoming an MLS side in 2020, although the likes of Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets didn't make their first appearances for their new club until August.

However, there was still success for Messi during his debut campaign in the United States, with Inter Miami winning the Leagues Cup. It was the club's first-ever trophy following a penalty shootout victory over Nashville in the final.

How have Inter Miami performed in pre-season?

Inter Miami's 2023 season finished last October and the Florida side have played eight pre-season matches to prepare for the upcoming campaign. However, things haven't exactly gone to plan, with just one victory from their friendly encounters.

That came against a Hong Kong select XI in the form of a 4-1 win, with draws against the El Salvador national team, Japanese side Vissel Kobe and Argentine outfit Newell's Old Boys in a strange medley of pre-season opponents.

However, there have been defeats to fellow MLS sides New York City and FC Dallas, as well as big losses in the Riyadh Season Cup. Inter Miami faced Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr - although the Portuguese didn't feature and Messi only came off the bench - but lost 6-0, while also suffering a 4-3 loss at the hands of Al Hilal.

Inter Miami's pre-season results

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