5 days ago
Lionel Messi's impact on the field and on his opponents goes beyond what he does or doesn't do with the ball. This became evident after Inter Miami's third game of the 2026 MLS season against D.C. United.
Javier Mascherano's team won 2-1 with goals from Argentines Rodrigo De Paul and Messi in the 17th and 27th minutes. Tai Baribo scored in the 75th minute for the home team. However, coach Ren Weiler revealed how, before the game, Messi's presence had affected his players.
The "Messi effect" impacts United
Since his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel Messi has transformed both MLS and the club. His presence has attracted thousands of fans to the league and helped the team secure four titles: the Leagues Cup, Supporters' Shield, Conference Championship, and most recently, the MLS Cup.
When Messi and his teammates arrived at M&T Bank Stadium, the Argentine's presence made an impact even before he touched the ball.
After United's defeat, coach Ren Weiler spoke to the press and admitted that Messi made his players "nervous":
"I was a little surprised because the start was very nervous," he said. "We were easily losing the ball with simple passes and didn’t give them a chance to score, but in the end it was a gift, the first goal, something unexpected. Perhaps the team was a little nervous because of the atmosphere, the spectators in the stadium, and, of course, the opponent, Miami. It shouldn’t have been that way, but it was," he added (via Bolavip).
Throughout his career at Barcelona, PSG, and the Argentine national team, opponents have planned their matches and strategies around Messi’s presence. This "Messi effect" forces opponents to closely monitor their defenders, leads to mistakes, and applies psychological pressure from the start of the match.
At 38 years old and with a total of 899 goals, Messi is just one goal away from reaching 900, thanks to the goal he scored against United after an assist from Mateo Silvetti.
Messi once again demonstrated that his impact on the game is not measured solely by goals or assists. Sometimes, his mere presence is enough to change the course of a match.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s next match will be against Nashville SC in the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup at Geodis Park.
