Messi has another team trophy to hoist, which would mean another parade for Fort Lauderdale to plan along the beach after the Florida Panthers set the bar in June.

The planning began when “Lionel Messi to Inter Miami” was still just a dream, an internet rumor discredited by insiders but sustained by a billionaire’s belief. In the fall of 2022, as MLS clubs set out to build their 2023 rosters,

Messi scored three goals and provided two assists in Argentina's 6-0 thrashing of Bolivia on Tuesday, setting up what was expected to be a triumphant return to his club, Inter Miami CF, with the MLS Playoffs starting Oct. 25. Instead, the 37-year-old cast a dark cloud over his future in his post-match interview.