Some issues may be of Miami's own creation, playing friendlies in the middle of the MLS season that devolve into chaos, but they'll work out over time, and time is something that they have on their side.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami return to action on the road against Orlando City on Sunday, March 1 on Apple TV’s "Sunday Night Soccer."

Lionel Messi reshaped MLS. The 2026 World Cup across North America will cement soccer as permanent in American sports culture.

However, Lionel Messi and the 2025 MLS champions are scheduled to meet Trump at the White House, according to a report from Adam Crafton and Paul Tenorio of The Athletic: “Inter Miami will visit the White House on Thursday, March 5 to mark the team’s MLS Cup win, according to a White House official.

Lionel Messi’s debut in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup will come in the matchup between Inter Miami and Nashville SC. Since his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi has led the team to success in two of the major tournaments they compete in: the Leagues Cup and Major League Soccer.

From Lionel Messi to Naomi Osaka, elite athlete investors are turning championships into equity and redefining wealth beyond contracts.