Wherever Lionel Messi goes, he wins, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner proved that once again.
When Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami after an underwhelming stint with Paris Saint-Germain, many claimed that the Argentine’s career was over.
However, the prediction has already fallen flat as Messi recently led Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup following a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps.
Despite that, former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard made a concerning prediction about Miami’s title chances next season.
Tim Howard predicts Inter Miami will have a ‘down’ season due to 2026 World Cup
Right now, Messi and co. will have plenty of rest before the start of the 2026 MLS season, as it will kick off in February.
But according to Howard, Miami fans shouldn’t keep their expectations too high for next campaign.
“You got a Supporters’ Shield last year, you got a MLS cup this year, middle of the season this year, you’re gonna have a World Cup, right for two or three of your best players, and obviously, Messi, the greatest player.
There’s no doubt in my mind that that team will down tools [because of the World Cup]. There’s no doubt in my mind,” Howard said, via GOAL.
He added: “Not because they’re bad guys. Not because they’re bad, but because literally the exhaustion.”
For what it’s worth, Howard didn’t take a shot at Miami; he simply delivered the team a reality check.
Lionel Messi’s World Cup aspirations mean less concentration on MLS
Messi finally achieved his dream of lifting the World Cup trophy in 2022. While many expected the Little Magician to retire, he is in sensational form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
After all, Messi finished the 2025 MLS season with 29 goals and 19 assists. That’s 48 goal contributions across 28 regular-season matches.
Howard is aware that Messi is the ‘heartbeat’ of Miami, but he warned fans not to expect Leo to play as a lot of minutes before the World Cup.
“And by the way, don’t forget, Messi, who runs this team. He’s the heartbeat of his team, right? He’s not gonna play a ton of minutes before the World Cup, FYI, MLS,” Howard continued.
“He’s basically gonna look at the calendar when it comes out, speak to [Javier] Mascherano and just say, ‘All right, I’ll play here, here, and here,’ he added.
The American soccer legend concluded, stating: “And I’m not lying when I say that, right? He’s got to be fully fit and rested before the World Cup. And then after the World Cup.”
It may be a sad prediction, but let’s not forget Messi has already delivered Miami its first-ever MLS Cup. So, it’s hard to see them complaining.
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