The number of Inter Miami fans Lionel Messi has attracted is astounding.

MLS had just 900,000 Instagram followers when his deal was revealed. With almost 15 million fans, Inter Miami is one of three American sports teams with more.

According to Instagram, 94% of Miami’s growing support is focused on Messi.

However, the 36-year-old has been out for Miami’s last three matches due to injury, raising concerns that fans may not see Messi again this season.

Miami’s vagueness over Messi’s ailment would hurt sales for the remaining slate of games if fans realized they wouldn’t witness the World Cup champion.

Here’s all on Messi’s injury and 2023 comeback.

When does MLS season end?

MLS seasons are one year long, unlike most European leagues. Miami are only guaranteed four more games this season after a 1-1 tie with New York City FC at the end of September, which Messi witnessed from Inter’s DRV PNK Stadium.

Charlotte against Inter Miami

Despite the tie against NYCFC, which Tomas Aviles saved in the 95th minute, Miami still has a slim chance of making the MLS playoffs.

MLS Cup champions will be determined via a post-season elimination competition from October 25 to December 9. In the last month of the regular season, Miami is 13th in the East, four points behind Montreal for the final play-off place.

Miami might rush for a wildcard with Messi healthy and blazing. However, the Argentine is far from healthy.