Inter Miami has high hopes for the 2024 MLS campaign. With aspirations of leaving an indelible mark, the Herons are dreaming big, bolstered by the acquisitions of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. But in a surprising turn of events, even though Miami boasts a star-studded lineup, LAFC has been backed to win the MLS Cup because of their ability to ‘recreate momentum season after season.’

This surprise backing for the California-based club in the ESPN FC Extra Time show. Host Kay Murray asked a question from netizens to pundits Alejandro Moreno and Steve Nicol about their favorites to win the MLS Cup. To which, Moreno candidly asserted, “LAFC is always going to be good,” while also taking the Seattle Sounder’s name. The Venezuelan icon also backed his former side, the Columbus Crew, to defend their 2023 win. “If you’re looking for teams that can recreate momentum season after season, LAFC seems to be that group,” he said. However, he didn’t completely rule out Inter Miami.  

“Although, if you really like a story, [there’s] Inter Miami. [Lionel] Messi, if he’s healthy throughout the course of the season, if they get hot in the playoffs, who would you rather have with the ball in a playoff situation than Lionel Messi in the MLS?” added Moreno. Additionally, Steve Nicol also backed the LAFC to win the MLS Cup. Either way, this is quite a bold prediction from the renowned pundits. On the contrary, ESPN pundit Sebastian Salazar earlier stated that Inter Miami will be overwhelming the MLS Cup favorites. Meanwhile, Nicol highlighted certain challenges that the Herons might face in their quest for their first-ever title. 

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez urged to be ‘careful’ throughout the MLS season

While adding to Ale Moreno’s thoughts, Steve Nicol insisted that it won’t be a piece of cake for Inter Miami to win titles, even if they have the likes of Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez. He said, “Unless you’ve been and played in MLS, you have no idea how difficult it will be.” The Liverpool icon highlighted the travel problems that Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets might face. 

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“Players that are at the end of their careers find it difficult to stay fit a lot of the time; they got to be very careful,” he concluded. Nicol also asserted that Messi and his former Barcelona teammates must not overtrain and should ‘look after themselves 100%,’ as the MLS season won’t be straightforward. While Inter Miami must be counting on their star players, they must take precautions to have a successful campaign.

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