Lionel Messi ready to 'fight' for trophy No.47: Sights locked on MLS Cup glory as Inter Miami attempt to make more history

The Herons have already made history in 2024 by landing the Supporters’ Shield for the first time. They posted the best record in MLS, with a new high being hit in the single season points department. Tata Martino’s side are now entering the play-offs as No.1 seeds.

Messi has been a talismanic presence for the Florida-based franchise, with a remarkable return of 20 goals and 16 assists through 19 appearances – in what was an injury-hit campaign – putting him in contention for MVP honours.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner retains his hunger to compete for every piece of silverware available to him, and that means giving his all in pursuit of an MLS Cup triumph. Messi said when making a surprise visit to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood – as he celebrated the launch of a new posable toy that has turned him into a superhero: "We will try as we have been trying all this year. I think we are prepared and very excited for this moment that we are going through in these play-offs that are coming, and well, we will fight to try to get it."

Inter Miami will open their play-off campaign against Atlanta United on Friday. The Herons are yet to get the better of opponents from Georgia this term – with a 3-1 defeat suffered on home soil back in May, before playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw on September 19.