‘Favourites because of Lionel Messi’ – Inter Miami billed as ones to beat in MLS Cup race by David Beckham’s former LA Galaxy team-mate Robbie Keane

The Herons collected a first major trophy in 2023 as eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi inspired them to Leagues Cup glory within weeks of his arrival in the United States. An untimely injury prevented him from steering the Florida-based outfit into the play-offs.

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Messi is expected to push Inter Miami into contention for silverware on multiple fronts in 2024, with domestic and continental honours there to be chased down by the most-decorated player of all-time. He will not have things all his own way, with the Galaxy and a number of other ambitious outfits determined to block his path, but the Argentine icon will take some stopping.

Three-time MLS Cup winner Keane admits as much, with the Irishman telling Betway: “I’ll be watching MLS this season, as I always do. It was a big part of my career, being there five-and-a-half years and winning three championships, so I always look out for LA Galaxy. They haven’t had the best time in the last couple of years and with the history of the club they should be always fighting for the play-offs and the chance to win the MLS Cup. We know how difficult that league can be, but I hope they can hit a bit of form and get to the play-offs this season. You’d have to say Inter Miami are the favourites because of Messi. He’s a top player, and you look at the players that they’ve brought in, with the Barcelona guys coming back and Luis Suarez now there as well, it will be interesting to see. They’ve definitely got every chance to win the MLS Cup, no question about it.”

Inter Miami are off to a winning start in 2024, having overcome Real Salt Lake in their season opener, and will be in California on Sunday – with the potential for more A-list guests in Hollywood – when they line up against the Galaxy.