THE MESSI-EFFECT BEGINS

We're just days away from the highly anticipated Messi Mania as Leo Messi arrived in Miami this week. His unveiling is scheduled for July 16, with a potential debut on July 21 in the inaugural Leagues Cup. Messi hopes to make a transformative impact on North American soccer, much like David Beckham did in 2007, but perhaps even more so.

Already, we can witness the Messi effect taking hold in Miami. In 2023, social media is a reliable indicator of a team's popularity, and within 24 hours of the announcement, Inter Miami's Instagram following skyrocketed from 900,000 to 4.5 million. Currently, they boast approximately 8.6 million followers, ranking them fifth among North American sports teams. Remarkably, this surpasses the following of any team in Major League Soccer, the NHL, MLB and even the NFL. Only four NBA teams have more followers, an incredible achievement.

However, despite the surge in popularity, Inter Miami finds themselves in a rather precarious position on the field. As it stands, they are tied for the worst record among the 29 teams. With a mere 18 points, their performance has been nothing short of disappointing. Nevertheless, when we consider the odds of them winning the MLS Cup this season, they are surprisingly still in contention, sitting in the middle of the pack. This speaks volumes about the Messi effect, as their odds stand at +5,000.

Admittedly, it seems a bit crazy that a team with only 18 points halfway through the season is considered to be in the top half of the league with a chance to win. Yet, this is a testament to the impact Messi's arrival has had on the team and the league. It's undeniable that the Messi effect is creating waves of excitement and anticipation among fans.

Adding to the buzz is the upcoming Leagues Cup, commencing on July 21, where Messi is expected to make his debut against Cruz Azul. Surprisingly, despite Inter Miami's struggles, they are currently the fifth-favourite team to win the tournament, with odds of +1,200. Once again, this highlights the profound impact Messi's presence has on the team's prospects, even in the face of their underwhelming performance thus far.

For all your Major League Soccer betting markets, be sure to visit NorthStarBets.ca. They offer an extensive range of options to satisfy your soccer betting needs. The Messi effect is here, and it's transforming the soccer landscape in North America. Exciting times lie ahead for Inter Miami and their passionate fans.