US soccer after the World Cup: Messi mania in Miami

Messi. Messi. Messi. Even on the way from the metro station to the new Nu Stadium, it's clear who it's all about. No other name can be read on the fans' jerseys, and a lot of them wear one. If you don't have one yet, you can buy one for twenty dollars from the street vendors in front of the stadium. They come in the light blue and white vertical stripes of Argentina or in pink and light blue, the colors in which the twilight settles over Miami on this sultry evening.

They are also the colors of the team that is playing here today: Inter Miami. Officially: Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami. Yes, in Spanish. The language that is mostly spoken here, the language of the Latinos, i.e. the community in the USA that is mainly interested in football, the language of Messi.

“Messi, Suárez, Casimiro,” shouts a trader. But only Messi is bought. The other two aging star players are just accessories in Miami. Since 2023, Lionel Messi has played for the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, which is owned by David Beckham, among others. And things have really been looking up since then. While Inter Miami was eliminated in its first season in 2020 as the worst MLS newcomer, Messi made it to the playoffs with the team last season and ultimately won the MLS Cup against Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps.

At the end of this year's regular season, Miami is in second place in the Eastern Conference. This Wednesday evening they play against New York FC. An average club without a star like Messi.

A ticket in the back row costs at least 65 dollars, a can of beer 18 dollars, and there is everything your heart desires, from Angus beef burgers to popcorn and pizza to “soft pretzel” – if you can afford it. Everything seems a bit too clean in this stadium, even the “supporters” in ultra-look, who create a party atmosphere with their flags, drums and whistles on the food distribution floor shortly before kick-off and are then checked by the security.

One of the “Ultras” asserts that he was already an Inter fan before Messi came, and he will remain one even when he retires. They actually exist: the Inter fans from the very beginning. Like the young American standing next to the drumming “hardcore” fans and waving a huge pink and black “Siege Miami” flag. He is convinced that Inter will continue to exist successfully even without Messi. Especially now with the new stadium.

There are five support groups, he says. He lists five groups that collectively call themselves “La Familia”: “Souther Legion, The Siege, Nación Rosa y Negro, IMS.MMXX and Vice City 1896.” The latter is the year the city of Miami was founded. All groups are listed on the club's official website, where you can also register. Sure, most of the fans here are Latinos, he says. “But this is Miami.”

In front of the fan zone there are a few self-painted posters of the “supporter groups”, of course also in pink and black, like the stadium seats or the drinks dispensers. The stadium is not completely full, 26,700 spectators would fit. Reggaeton plays, then the game announcer greets the audience and the arriving teams, in English and Spanish of course. Please rise for a live version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Hardly anyone sings along, it would be strange to wear an Argentina jersey. Another big fireworks display and then we can get started. Because of all the show and hustle and bustle, you almost forgot that there was still football to be played. So soccer, not football.

The game is rather slow, with the supporters constantly drumming in their assigned zone. Otherwise, the stadium especially cheers when number 10 has the ball. And the two goals scored in the first half. Unfortunately not through Messi. Each goal is celebrated with fireworks. There is also a hydration break. Then half time break.

“There are also the Messi fanboys, but if it comes up, they might come six times, not more often, after six times they have seen enough of Messi,” said the “Ultra” with the victory flag. Secure?

A family, father, mother, son, is visiting Miami from Argentina. They came to the game to see Messi play again. Now that he has said goodbye to the national team. “The fan chants here are the same as those of the Barras Bravas, i.e. the ultras here in Argentina,” says the son enthusiastically. A guy in a Messi jersey and with the Argentina flag over his shoulders doesn't even want to think about what will happen when his idol stops playing: "No, Messi should just keep playing."

Two young American women are here because they were given free tickets, they say. Nobody talks about the World Cup, which was held just a few months ago at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The second half is accompanied by a half-hearted La Ola in the audience. Messi plays about as half-heartedly. Only when the ball reaches him does he show that he still has it. Defense or movement to the ball? None. Does he even enjoy kicking for Miami? A question to which you as a viewer do not get an answer. But what you get is slow, almost uninspired standing football. Every now and then an action worth seeing that is repeated on the many screens. There are five minutes of injury time in which things get briefly exciting again. New York misses a penalty. Miami wins 2-0.

The remaining pyro behind the goals is shot into the air. They were probably expecting a few more goals. Maybe even from Messi, but that doesn't happen. He played his 90 minutes, delivered two or three good dribbles and crosses, even a corner shot straight on goal. That's enough for the audience. The team quickly disappears into the dressing room. A little later the party continues on the mezzanine level of the stadium. The drummers start the rhythm, people dance, sweat, and cell phones are pulled out.

Standing in front of the pink merch stand are two men with fat chains around their necks bearing the likeness of their absolute favorite player: Messi. "The whole world asks: Messi or Ronaldo? For me it's very clear: Messi. Ronaldo is totally unlikable," says one. Because of Ronaldo, he even became an Argentina fan, even though he comes from Honduras. Now that Messi has said goodbye, things will no longer stay that way. When asked whether he found the game really exciting, Messi already looked a bit exhausted, he replied: "In some games, like today, he just doesn't score. Sometimes, unfortunately, the opposing goalkeeper saves his shot." They still play football in Miami.

The research was made possible by a Daniel Haufler scholarship from the taz panter foundation.