Lionel Messi sends ‘just the beginning’ warning to MLS rivals after breaking another record with Inter Miami

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has added another entry to the record books after becoming the most decorated player in football history. A Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival in the United States has helped the mercurial Argentine to that mark.

Messi has previously collected major honours at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, while helping his country to Copa America and World Cup crowns, and believes there are more celebrations to come from him.

The 36-year-old has posted on Instagram: “Very happy to get the first title in this club's history. Everyone's hard work and commitment made it possible. Hopefully this is just the beginning.”

Messi has netted 10 goals through just seven appearances for Inter Miami, with the Florida-based club confident he will inspire them to further glory. Club co-owner Jorge Mas has said: “To see Lionel with that smile, all the guys how they are playing, this will be the first of many trophies for this team.”

DeAndre Yedlin added, having helped Messi to hoist the Leagues Cup trophy aloft: “We walk in to places now, we expect to win. I can't say that was a factor every time we played before. It is our seventh game together as a group. It is strange, we are still kind of learning on the go. Now we have a semi-final. It's an opportunity for another trophy.”

Inter Miami’s next outing, on August 23, will be a semi-final encounter with Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup. They will then switch their focus to MLS matters, with there still enough time for them to turn a disappointing league campaign around and put themselves in contention for a play-off spot and a shot at MLS Cup glory in 2023.