Lionel Messi’s impact on the field and on his opponents goes beyond what he does or doesn’t do with the ball. This was revealed after Inter Miami’s third game of the 2026 MLS season against D.C. United.
Javier Mascherano’s team won 2-1 with goals from Argentines Rodrigo De Paul and Messi in the 17th and 27th minutes of the match. Tai Baribo scored in the 75th minute for the home team. However, coach René Weiler revealed how, before the game, Leo’s presence had affected his players.
The “Messi effect” strikes United
Since his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, Lionel has transformed MLS and the club itself. Not only did his image attract thousands of fans to the league, but he also won four titles for David Beckham’s team: the Leagues Cup, Supporter Shield, Conference Champion, and most recently, the MLS Cup.
Now, when the #10 and his teammates arrived at M&T Bank Stadium, the Argentine’s presence made an impact even before he touched the ball.
After United’s defeat, their coach René Weiler spoke to the press and when asked for his analysis of the match, he confessed that Messi made his players “nervous“:
“I was a little surprised because the start was very nervous,” he said. “We were easily losing the ball with simple passes and we didn’t give them a chance to score, but in the end it was a gift, the first goal, something unexpected, although perhaps [the team] was a little nervous because of the atmosphere, the spectators in the stadium and, of course, the opponent, Miami. It shouldn’t have been that way, but it was,” he added (via Bolavip).
The truth is that, even during his years at Barcelona, PSG, or with the Argentine national team, opponents planned their matches and based their strategies on Leo’s presence. That “Messi effect” makes his opponents keep a closer eye on their defenders, causes teams to make mistakes, and puts greater psychological pressure on them from the start of the match.
At 38 years old and with a total of 899 goals, Leo is one goal away from reaching 900 thanks to the goal he scored against United after an assist from Mateo Silvetti.
In this way, Messi proved once again that his impact on the game is not measured solely by goals or assists. Sometimes, his mere presence is enough to change a match.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s next match will be against Nashville SC in the round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup at Geodis Park.
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