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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Argentine moved to Florida in 2023</li><li>Inspired first trophy win for the Herons</li><li>Sights now locked on landing two more</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n" rel="sponsored"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

The Lionel Messi effect: Tata Martino admits 'raised expectations' for Inter Miami after third-straight MLS draw

<p>Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/secret-meetings-10-year-project-how-david-beckham-signed-lionel-messi-inter-miami-co-owner/bltcc28a521e2bdff22 " target="_blank">Messi made his way to the United States</a> in the summer of 2023. David Beckham and the rest of the Herons’ board were <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/david-beckham-reveals-why-lionel-messi-agreed-mls-move-inter-miami-dream-argentine-goat/blt4512ac37b62ab713" target="_blank">able to put a stunning deal in place</a> that allowed an all-time great to chase the American dream in Florida.</p><div class="affiliate-button-container theme-1" data-name="Apple TV"><div class="affiliate-button"><img class="logo" height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;"><span class="affiliate-text">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</span></div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" class="affiliate-button-link" target="_blank">Stream games now</a></div>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Messi <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/unplayable-lionel-messi-ultimate-first-impression-nashville-boss-inspiring-inter-miami-leagues-cup-glory/blt2dc124fc5defc69a " target="_blank">inspired a historic League Cup triumph</a> within weeks of his arrival and has Inter Miami back in the hunt for major honours this season – with the Argentine superstar <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/explained-why-lionel-messi-benched-inter-miami-cameo-appearance-mls-draw-atlanta-united/bltf7e3069b110b2104" target="_blank">nursing his way back from a couple of injuries</a>.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Success is now demanded at Chase Stadium, with head coach Martino – who arrived alongside Messi when the Herons were rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference – telling reporters of how quickly the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/luis-suarez-extend-last-dance-lionel-messi-mls-new-inter-miami-contract-rubbish-fitness-concerns/bltb7eda8b7449c9611" target="_blank">mindset in Miami has changed</a>: “We were a team that habitually lost for years, and now, we are a team that habitually wins, and that raises expectations. It should be noted that we have worked very hard to change the perception of this team, and we’ve done it having to use many different line-ups due to injuries and national team duty.”</p>

WHAT MARTINO SAID

<p>Inter Miami are one victory away from claiming the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, while they <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/goat-mindset-lionel-messi-never-bothered-attitude-great-argentine-superstar-inter-miami-supporters-shield-mls-cup/blta1e754191ebc3e7f" target="_blank">remain favourites for many to land the MLS Cup</a>. Messi and Co can, after three successive draws, complete the first part of that trophy double on Wednesday when taking in a trip to the Columbus Crew.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND INTER MIAMI?

The Lionel Messi effect: Tata Martino admits 'raised expectations' for Inter Miami after third-straight MLS draw | Goal.com Ghana

Tata Martino has explained how Lionel Messi’s presence at Inter Miami has “raised expectations”, with wins now expected rather than longed for.