Despite being named MLS's Most Valuable Player, Messi's performance has been inconsistent, contributing to Miami's struggles to secure wins and their failure to reach playoff contention after a promising start.

Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July 2023 amid high expectations, has reportedly voiced frustration over the team's performance, raising questions about his long-term future with the club.

FIFA's decision to include Miami in the Club World Cup is seen as a strategy to attract viewership through Messi, yet ticket sales for their matches have fallen short of expectations, contrasting with the demand for other tournament games.

The Club World Cup is a pivotal moment for Inter Miami and Major League Soccer (MLS), as the league seeks to leverage Lionel Messi's star power to enhance its reputation ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

Inter Miami's managing owner, Jorge Mas, is currently in contract negotiations with Messi, hoping to secure his commitment to finish his career with the team, especially as they prepare to open a new stadium in 2026.

Currently, MLS is perceived as less competitive than other global leagues, with Messi being the standout player in a league ranked 19th worldwide, underscoring the need for improvements in talent and structure.

As Messi participates in the Club World Cup in Miami, he faces the possibility of concluding his U.S. tenure, with his contract set to expire at the end of 2025.

Miami's two trophy wins since Messi's arrival—the Leagues Cup and Supporters Shield—have been seen as underwhelming compared to fan expectations, particularly with the Club World Cup on the horizon.

His signing has already led to significant commercial success for Miami, boosting the club's visibility with a surge in social media followers and merchandise sales, particularly for his jersey, which has become Adidas' top-seller.

The impact of Messi on U.S. football is expected to mark a significant shift in the sport's history, creating a 'Before Messi' and 'After Messi' era, as noted by his former teammate Sergio Agüero.

However, there is skepticism regarding whether Messi's presence will lead to lasting change in the league, which must achieve substantial success to truly capitalize on his influence.