The image that stuck in Inter Miami's victory over Vancouver Whitecaps was Lionel Messi looking towards the audience, raising his arms and celebrating with fans. However, that is not the most important thing. There is a high possibility that there will be many more moments like Messi when he has owned 48 titles and has not stopped.
For Miami, the most memorable moment was Jordi Alba lying on his back on the pitch, burst into tears when the third goal was scored. It was a moment of complete release for a player who understood that his playing time had reached the end, and ended in a worthy way.
Miami played a great game, and the story of Messi cannot be ignored. He has been in South Florida for nearly three years and is finally upgraded to his first MLS trophy. However, this victory also marked a personnel transfer. Alba will retire. Sergio Busquets is also about to hang up his boots. Luis Suarez did not play in this match, and there is almost no sign that he will continue to be involved after his contract expires.
So, this is the last moment of Miami 1.0 with the leader Messi. And it ended up in the correct scenario that fans expected. But now, a restructuring not a reconstruction is forced to begin in South Beach.
"I understand the significance of Busquets and Alba leaving in this way. The two players who made history for this club have completely changed the team with Messi. Today, they are part of that great history, a very short history, very small, but that is the reason they came here, to change the fate of the club" - coach Rafael Mascherano shared.
The good news for Miami is that they are possessing unprecedented flexibility. Rodrigo De Paul is likely to take on an appointed position alongside Messi.
Miami may also part ways with many other names. According to recent information, in addition to Busquets and Alba, two pillars Allende and Maxi Falcon could both leave. If Suarez does not renew and Benjamin Cremaschi - who is on loan to Parma after a conflict with Mascherano - also leaves the club, Miami will have a large salary fund and many empty spots to shop big.
There is always a temptation to wave money for a European star. The rumors about Neymar have never cooled. Angel Di Maria also revealed that Messi is looking forward to reuniting with his former teammate at South Beach.
However, a truly smart club would prioritize investing in a top-class centre-back or defensive midfielder - positions Miami are lacking in. But with ambitious bosses like Jorge Mas and David Beckham, their trend is still to spend money on big stars instead of strategic deals.
No matter what choice is made, change is certain. Miami has money, reputation and an MLS trophy to defend. A champion should not have changed too much, but Miami has entered an uncertain transfer season, and could shape the club's future for many years.
