Inter Miami skipper Lionel Messi included in 2024 MLS Best XI
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has been included in the 2024 MLS Best XI, alongside his teammate Jordi Alba. The legendary Argentine playmaker has been rewarded with recognition for his first full season in the MLS, where he scored 21 goals and provided 11 assists in 22 games.
The MLS Best XI includes players from nine different clubs, with Inter Miami and Colombus Crew having two players each. The Herons had Messi and Jordi Alba as their standout players, with the two former Barcelona teammates linking up well to help them win the Supporters' Shield.
However, there was no room for Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez, who all play with Messi at Fort Lauderdale. Suarez scored 20 goals and provided nine assists in 27 games, while Busquets played a total of 32 games, scoring a goal and providing four assists.
Here are the full list of players in the 2024 MLS Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Kristijan Kahlina (Charlotte FC)
Defenders: Jordi Alba (Inter Miami CF), Yeimar Gomez Andrade (Seattle Sounders FC), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew)
Midfielders: Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati), Evander (Portland Timbers), Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy)
Forwards: Christian Benteke (D.C. United), Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
Inter Miami co-owner reveals Lionel Messi had a hand in new head coach hire
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has revealed that Lionel Messi's opinion was taken into consideration as they sought a new coach to hire. The club announced Tata Martino's exit after the Argentine coach failed to lead them to the MLS Cup, and they were rumored to be looking at multiple names.
The Miami giants eventually moved for Javier Mascherano as their new head coach. This may come as a surprise, as he does not have any experience at the club level, having coached Argentina's U-20 squad.
In a press conference, Jorge Mas spoke about how he regularly asks for Lionel Messi's opinions (via AS):
“I had a specific conversation with him. Leo gave me what I asked him, which was input. That was Leo’s involvement and engagement with me, which [happens] frankly all the time.”
In the case of signing Mascherano, the Inter Miami co-owner said:
“I asked him, ’What is important to you? And what do you think is important to get the best out of our roster and out of our 11 and how do we improve?
"And Leo shared with me his thoughts... Without a doubt, a familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every aspect. Obviously, I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer, with the new coach coming in.”
The Herons will hope that the emergence of Javier Mascherano as the new head coach will lead to winning more trophies next season.