‘There’s now a Before Messi and After Messi in MLS’ – Sergio Aguero explains why ‘revolution emerges’ wherever Inter Miami superstar goes

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has made an immediate impact since leaving Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent and making his way to Florida. He registered 10 goals during a triumphant Leagues Cup campaign – landing him a 44th trophy – and has already been on target in MLS.

Aguero is not surprised to see his close friend starring in the United States, with the ex-Argentina international telling Stake.com of how the all-time great has already changed the face of American soccer: “It's undeniably the ‘Messi Effect’. I was lucky to catch a few games, and while I expected him to make an immediate difference, I believe he has far surpassed all expectations. There’s now a ‘Before Messi’ and ‘After Messi’ in MLS upon his arrival. They were able to put up good performances against the Mexican teams, known for their long football traditions, and their success in the League Cup proved their capability to secure wins as well. It's no fluke that Inter Miami clinched their inaugural trophy - Tata Martino was able to build a great team within just a few matches and it appeared as though Messi, Busquets, and Jordi had been seamlessly playing alongside their teammates for years, despite it being only a month. This remarkable beginning serves as the groundwork for what lies ahead. This is the Messi Effect – he motivates and lifts everyone around him, his team, the club as a whole. His presence commands respect from opponents, and it's not just Inter's fans who are thoroughly enjoying this experience. Wherever Leo is, a revolution emerges.”

Messi is playing with a smile again, having endured two frustrating years at PSG, and Aguero cannot see the 36-year-old heading back to Europe despite ongoing talk of an emotional return to Barcelona being made at some stage. Aguero added on the 2022 World Cup winner: “Leo has found playing for Inter Miami to be a well-thought-out decision. One month later, it's evident that what he is doing is perfect for this phase of his career. You can tell when you see him that he is happy and doing what he enjoys doing most. We should all be able to enjoy that, in my opinion. I hope he continues to live in the now and does an even better job of winning over his supporters' devotion. Leo is deserving of it; he has given much and will continue to do so. Upon his team's Leagues Cup victory, I noticed several social media posts with the subject line, ‘Seeing Leo happy makes me happy’. Isn't that true for every one of us? We can always discuss the future, but for now, let's just enjoy the moment and let Messi be Messi.”

Messi signed a two-and-a-half-year contract upon his arrival in Miami – taking him through to 2025 and the opening of a new stadium in Florida – but he has the option for an extension in 2026 and may decide to hang around for a year that will include another World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.