Lionel Messi's first trip to the MLS playoffs ended in shock disappointment but the World Cup winner has injected new life into Inter Miami and the North American top-flight, even as he finishes his first full season without the league title.

Lionel Messi's every move was on display in his Major League Soccer playoff debut. Every touch. Every shot attempt. Even when he wasn't doing anything at all, it was shown. There was a “Messi-cam” focused on the Inter Miami superstar throughout his team's playoff-opening,

Lionel Messi's MLS journey ended in playoff disappointment, despite a historic regular season for Inter Miami. His presence has significantly boosted the league's profile and attendance. Experts credit Messi with enhancing MLS's global credibility and attracting new fans as the U.