El Salvador rolled out the pink carpet for Inter Miami and Lionel Messi.
After failing to make the playoffs in 2023, the Herons quickly released they’ll have to up their game if they want to win MLS Cup in 2024.
Sporting Director Chris Henderson made that clear during his end-of-year press conference in late 2023.
“We’re looking at everything to [improve the squad.] We have high hopes for 2024 and want to show what we can do as a club,” Henderson stated.
“Winning trophies and having high ambition is something we’ve had since day one.”
To get the team ready to win trophies and challenge for more silverware, the team will jet set across the world to play in a 25, 0000+ mile preseason.
A warm welcome for Messi, Inter Miami
The first of many stops for Miami on this tour will be against El Salvador on January 19th.
Already, the excitement is bubbling in the country, with thousands of people lined up to catch a glimpse of Messi and the squad.
It’s clear that the people of El Salvador are executed for the match. The most important thing, will the Herons Big 4 play significant minutes.
Though everyone attending the match will want to see the quadrant play together, Miami’s hefty schedule will mean that Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba will play limited minutes.
All in all, it depends on what manager Tata Martino does. But, expect to see the four in action soon.
Follow Alex Windley on X and subscribe to her Substack The Heron’s Nest for more Inter Miami analysis.