FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, EE.UU. (AP) — Para Lionel Messi, la final de la MLS prevista para el sábado representará algunas despedidas. Y, muy posiblemente, un nuevo comienzo. Messi e Inter Miami se enfrentarán a Thomas Müller —uno de sus rivales de toda la vida— y a los Vancouver Whitecaps por el campeonato de la liga de Estados Unidos.

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Inter Miami could be looking to bring in Timo Werner as another option in the attack to team with Lionel Messi: 🚨🇺🇸 Timo #Werner and his agents are holding talks with Inter Miami over a January move.

Since Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, Neymar Jr. has been linked with a possible move to the team to bolster the offense. With him about to become a free agent, the Herons have reportedly already made a clear decision regarding the Brazilian veteran.

Messi curled in a stunning free kick -- his 50th goal for Inter Miami -- sealing a 2-1 victory and lifting the MLS side to four points after two games. They now sit level with Palmeiras, their next opponent in the final group stage clash to decide who will advance to the round of 16.

Tadeo Allende scored three goals for the Herons, bringing his total to eight in the MLS Cup playoffs, surpassing Lionel Messi for the lead in 2025 and tying Carlos Ruiz’s 2002-record with the LA Galaxy for the most in a single postseason.

Messi finds himself on the brink of a new collective achievement, one that places him ahead of his long-time counterpart, Ronaldo in an unexpected way.