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Messi’s 12 Goals, Double Training Spark Miami’s Surge.

5/18/2026

33 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lionel Messi is doing daily double-training sessions with Rodrigo de Paul and a trainer for the 2026 World Cup.
Inter Miami sits second in MLS with 28 points (8-4-3), two points behind Nashville.
Messi has 12 goals and five assists in his first 12 MLS matches this season.
He scored two goals in a 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati, while De Paul contributed three goals and seven assists.

History

Historical Context

David Beckham’s 2007 move to LA Galaxy created MLS’s Designated Player rule, guaranteeing him $6.5 million annually and sparking a surge in attendance and sponsorship. The model paved the way for Inter Miami’s 2018 expansion and Lionel Messi’s 2023 free-transfer, which analysts expect to lift league revenues and global profile ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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Story summary

Lionel Messi is doing daily double-training sessions with Rodrigo de Paul and a trainer for the 2026 World Cup.
Inter Miami sits second in MLS with 28 points (8-4-3), two points behind Nashville.
Messi has 12 goals and five assists in his first 12 MLS matches this season.
He scored two goals in a 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati, while De Paul contributed three goals and seven assists.

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