Inter Miami made the worst-kept secret in the world official on Saturday as they announced the signing of Lionel Messi.
Messi himself had revealed the move early last month, but the complexities of the deal and the Argentine's summer vacation plans meant the MLS side had to wait until this weekend before plastering their social media and website with photos of the superstar adorned in Miami's pink kit.
On Sunday, Messi will be introduced publicly at a lavish ceremony at DRV PNK Stadium, after which the real work of integrating one of the sport's best-ever players into the team begins. And there is a lot of work ahead — Miami sit dead last in the entire league as MLS halts its regular season for the Leagues Cup competition, which also involves Liga MX, over the next four weeks.
Here's what lies ahead for Messi and Miami.
How many games do Inter Miami have left in 2023?
The Herons have played 22 regular season games so far in 2023, with 12 more remaining.
Additionally, Miami are guaranteed at least two matches in the Leagues Cup group stage, after which they would progress to the knockouts if they place in the top two in the South 3 group. Miami are also still alive in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup and will travel to Ohio to face FC Cincinnati in the semi-finals.
Inter Miami's remaining schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Competition |
| July 21 | 8 p.m. | Miami vs. Cruz Azul | Leagues Cup |
| July 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami vs. Atlanta | Leagues Cup |
| Aug. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami vs. Orlando | Leagues Cup (R of 32) |
| Aug. 6 | 8:30 p.m. | Dallas vs. Atlanta | Leagues Cup (R of 16) |
| Aug. 11 | 8:30 p.m. | Miami vs. Charlotte | Leagues Cup (Quarter) |
| Aug. 15 | 7:00 p.m. | Philadelphia vs. Miami | Leagues Cup (Semi) |
| Aug. 19 | 9:00 p.m. | Nashville vs. Miami | Leagues Cup (Final) |
| PPD | — | Miami vs. Charlotte | MLS Regular Season |
| Aug. 23 | 7 p.m. | Cincinnati vs. Miami | U.S. Open Cup (Semi) |
| Aug. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | New York vs. Miami | MLS Regular Season |
| Aug. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami vs. Nashville | MLS Regular Season |
| Sept. 3 | 10:30 p.m. | LAFC vs. Miami | MLS Regular Season |
| Sept. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami vs. Kansas City | MLS Regular Season |
| Sept. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Atlanta vs. Miami | MLS Regular Season |
| Sept. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami vs. Toronto | MLS Regular Season |
| Sept. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Orlando vs. Miami | MLS Regular Season |
| Sept. 27 | TBA | Miami vs. Houston | U.S. Open Cup (Final) |
| Sept. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami vs. New York City | MLS Regular Season |
| Oct. 4 | 8:30 p.m. | Chicago vs. Miami | MLS Regular Season |
| Oct. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami vs. Cincinnati | MLS Regular Season |
| Oct. 21 | 6:00 p.m. | Charlotte vs. Miami | MLS Regular Season |
Will Inter Miami make the 2023 MLS playoffs?
Unlikely.
In the 22 matches the Herons have played during the current regular season, they've collected just 18 points from five wins, 14 losses and three draws. That puts them in last place in the Eastern Conference (and the entire league), 12 points back of the final playoff spot.
Miami do have two games in hand on D.C. United (who currently occupy the East's final playoff spot), so there is a bit of leeway for Tata Martino's side. However, they would have to go on a near-unprecedented run to even have a sniff of the postseason, but adding one of the game's all-time G.O.A.T.s (along with his longtime friend and teammate, Sergio Busquets, and more rumoured signings to come) is certainly a step in the right direction.