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Messi doesn't play for Inter Miami as much as he could. Here's why (and how Club World Cup fits in)

The article from ESPN, titled "Lionel Messi's impact at Inter Miami: Data viz of games played for club, country," provides a comprehensive analysis of Lionel Messi's performance and impact since joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). The piece delves into various aspects of Messi's contributions, including his goal-scoring, assists, and overall influence on the team's performance. The article also covers Messi's involvement with the Argentine national team and his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi's Journey to Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami was one of the most significant transfers in MLS history. After spending the majority of his career at Barcelona and a brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi's decision to join Inter Miami was seen as a major coup for the league. The article highlights the excitement and anticipation surrounding Messi's arrival, noting how his presence has elevated the profile of both the club and the league.

Performance in Major League Soccer

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has made a significant impact on the field. The article provides detailed statistics and visualizations to illustrate his performance. In his first season, Messi played in 14 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 5 assists. These numbers are impressive, especially considering the adjustment period that many players experience when transitioning to a new league.

The data visualization in the article breaks down Messi's goals and assists by match, showing a consistent level of performance throughout the season. It also highlights key moments, such as his debut match where he scored a crucial goal in the dying minutes to secure a victory for Inter Miami. The article emphasizes how Messi's presence has not only boosted the team's performance but also attracted more fans to the stadium and increased viewership on television.

Impact on Team Dynamics

Messi's influence extends beyond his individual statistics. The article discusses how his arrival has transformed Inter Miami's playing style and team dynamics. With Messi on the field, the team has adopted a more possession-based approach, with an emphasis on quick, incisive passing and movement. The data visualization shows how Messi's involvement in build-up play has increased, with a higher number of passes completed and a greater percentage of successful dribbles.

The article also highlights the positive impact Messi has had on his teammates. Players like Robert Taylor and Josef Martínez have seen their performances improve, with Taylor benefiting from Messi's creativity and Martínez capitalizing on the space created by Messi's presence. The article includes quotes from teammates and coaches, who praise Messi's leadership and work ethic, noting how he has set a high standard for the rest of the squad.

Participation in the FIFA Club World Cup

In addition to his club performances, the article covers Messi's participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. Although Inter Miami did not qualify for the tournament during Messi's first season, the article speculates on the potential impact he could have in future editions. It discusses how Messi's experience and success in previous Club World Cups with Barcelona could benefit Inter Miami, should they qualify in the future.

The article includes a section on Messi's historical performance in the Club World Cup, highlighting his key contributions to Barcelona's victories in 2009 and 2011. It notes how Messi's ability to perform on the biggest stage could be a significant asset for Inter Miami, should they reach the tournament.

Role with the Argentine National Team

The article also delves into Messi's continued involvement with the Argentine national team. Despite his move to MLS, Messi has remained a key player for Argentina, leading the team to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The article provides detailed statistics on Messi's performances in international matches, showing his goal-scoring and assist numbers, as well as his overall impact on the team's success.

The data visualization in this section breaks down Messi's contributions in different tournaments, including the Copa América and World Cup qualifiers. It highlights his crucial role in Argentina's World Cup triumph, where he scored seven goals and provided three assists, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

The article also discusses how Messi's performances for Argentina have complemented his club form, noting how his international experience has helped him adapt to the demands of MLS. It includes quotes from Argentine teammates and coaches, who praise Messi's dedication and leadership, emphasizing how his success on the international stage has inspired his performances at Inter Miami.

Future Prospects and Expectations

Looking ahead, the article speculates on Messi's future with Inter Miami and his potential impact on the club's long-term success. It discusses the team's ambitions to win the MLS Cup and compete in the CONCACAF Champions League, noting how Messi's presence could be a decisive factor in achieving these goals.

The article also touches on the broader implications of Messi's move to MLS, suggesting that his success could pave the way for more high-profile players to join the league. It highlights the potential for increased investment in MLS clubs and infrastructure, as well as the growth of soccer's popularity in the United States.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of Lionel Messi's impact at Inter Miami, covering his performances in MLS, his involvement with the Argentine national team, and his potential participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. Through detailed statistics and data visualizations, the article illustrates Messi's significant contributions on and off the field, emphasizing his role in transforming Inter Miami and elevating the profile of Major League Soccer.

Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45368144/inter-miami-lionel-messi-data-viz-games-played-major-league-soccer-club-world-cup-argentina ]