Lionel Messi‘s arrival at Inter Miami brought both excitement and challenges for the club, reported by GOAL. While he played a pivotal role in securing Leagues Cup glory shortly after joining, some fans express disappointment, citing a “negative impact” on the overall fan experience.

Mike Longin of the Green Lot Gang supporters' group noted a shift in the club's atmosphere since Messi's arrival, stating, “It’s gone from a family atmosphere to a professional atmosphere, which you’d expect. We were a young club, and we grew up overnight.”

One aspect of the perceived negativity revolves around the change in fan dynamics. Longin explained, “[Messi’s arrival] has had a somewhat negative impact on the match experience because so many people are only there to see Messi; they don’t care about the rest of the team.” He highlighted instances where fans, eager to catch a glimpse of Messi, disrupted the match atmosphere.

Despite Inter Miami becoming more competitive on the field, with Messi contributing to their trophy cabinet, there are differing expectations among fans. Longin acknowledged that some fans anticipated Messi playing every game and dominating the league. However, the reality has not fully aligned with those expectations.

Longin hopes that Inter Miami will gain a lasting fan base beyond the Messi effect. He mentioned concerns about fans leaving when Messi is not playing and emphasized the importance of retaining support for the entire team.

As Inter Miami aims for MLS glory under Tata Martino in 2024, the Lionel Messi factor has undeniably altered the club's dynamics, both positively and negatively. The excitement around watching Messi in action has attracted A-list guests and heightened ticket prices, indicating the enduring appeal of the global football icon.