The Tortured History of Messi's New Club

Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in MLS shocked a lot of people, including me, especially considering Miami became known as almost a myth for a long time in MLS circles. It was founded, then it wasn’t, then it was founded again, then it finally, finally started playing matches. That last part didn’t go to well either.

I am rooting for Miami to succeed, but it’s worth mentioning as the GOAT Messi joins MLS he isn’t joining an established star player factory like LA Galaxy or NYCFC, but rather a team he will have to carry to anything. A team that if he wins something with, it will be another, albeit small, note on his brilliant legacy.

Much Love,
The Zealand

Sources
► Washington Post
► Wikipedia

► Yahoo Sports
► MLS
► Bleacher Report
► The Guardian

► YouTube
► Reuters

► SI

► SB Nation
► Miami New Times
► New York Times

► Sky Sports
► ESPN
► Soccer Stadium Digest
► The Athletic

► New Civil Engineer
► Local 10
► CBS News

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[felipedigre]

He got in, and in a month he lifted the curse. Beckham's teary eyes said it all. You could see how much pain he went through to get this cup

[ImRonk]

you should talk a lot more history about the MLS clubs zealand it would really help us who are foreign when it comes to United States football/soccer league.

[theravingtimes]

For context on the Matuidi situation, there a rule in MLS where you can only sign 3 Designated Players (DP for short) who are essentially players above the salary cap that was created after Beckham joined MLS. The problem is that Miami listed Matuidi as a non-DP in 2020, but it was revealed that his wages were above the salary threshold. To avoid losing Matuidi, Higuain or Roldolfo Pizzaro they sent Argentine youth-international; Matthias Pellegrini out on loan to Fort Lauderdale CF in USL League One. It was a terrible decision since Matuidi was terrible and would retire in 2021, Pizzaro would get loaned back to Monterey with Miami trying desperately to get rid of him (at the time of writing) and Higuain after a terrible first season got better, played alongside his brother (Federico Higuain who spent most of his career in MLS) and had a stellar final season by scoring 16 goals before retiring in 2022.

[Danny_Does_Music]

I’m really surprised you didn’t even bring up the drama behind their name. There was a whole thing with inter-Milan fighting them for putting inter in their name

[LoremasterYnTaris]

As an Atlanta guy, love all the shoutouts here.

Also, if anyone here finds themselves in Atlanta on a game day, I strongly suggest you go. It's a great atmosphere and a great time, especially for a big match like Orlando.

[eoretaspace]

I am highly convinced that Beckham whispered "Leo you accomplished everything Maradona did except one thing, make a bottom place team win the league cup. But Im not sure you do that at your age anymore"

[yzkeisdead]

Really cool to see a video about the actual history of Inter Miami since its quite a unique story

[iantoja]

After watching this video… yesterday seems more awesome considering this context

[Invidious]

Hey Z,

I just wanted to chime in saying that I've really enjoyed these style of videos you've been releasing. I can imagine there was probably some stress at one point when you wanted to branch out into non-FM related videos but they have been wonderful. Keep up the great work!

[teddaman]

A small correction: The 2014 announcement by Beckham wasn't a true expansion announcement. Beckham's contract clause to get a MLS team did have an expiration date. It was an announcement that Beckham was exercising that option and basically giving a stamp of MLS approval to let the governments know that a stadium deal gets them an official expansion announcement. That official announcement came much later.

[IntoTheSkyy]

It's insane to me that Messi went to Inter Miami of all places. Maybe he really missed that good ol' Barca dysfunction?

[andressifontes]

this is the best explanation of Inter Miami's history I've seen in any social media post hats off my good sir

[prakharprasad]

Yeah so bro came to miami destroyed every club he played against and lifted a trophy in a month 🎉🎉 The GOAT ❤

[mrmattyiceee]

I always love these types of videos from Z, and this one has got me even more hyped to follow the Messi/Miami saga

[gbroyce]

I love watching how Zealand has gone from a video game player to a full on soccer/football news reporter and that I am totally here for it!

[jamesdulany]

FC Cincinnati started out life like Orlando did in the USL Championship. I remember watching an Open Cup game on ESPN broadcast from Nippert Stadium at the time.

[pedrohernandez]

Zealand been dropping bangers lately 🤝🏽👏🏼

[rtikke]

Watch Club Brugge build a stadium. It has been 15 years since their first plans. And couple of months ago, after 4 projects, their latest plans got approved to build a new stadium next to the old one on the old training pitches. But got rejected because of a local who lives next to the old stadium complained... In 2 years, Club Brugge will not be allowed to play their champions league games at the old stadium anymore because it won't be up to code.

[TylerEubank]

Fantastic job my guy. And a lot of us appreciate how much you include in the description. Cheers 🍻

[luckie]

I can listen to you talk about every aspect of football. Love this content Z 💙