The Lionel Messi experience in MLS ended 2023 in downbeat fashion, and ’24 is starting even uglier, spotlighting the risks for the league and Inter Miami in counting on the Argentinian superstar for sustained, large-scale business growth.

After injuries to Messi and a six-match winless streak marred the conclusion of Inter Miami’s season last year following an initial surge of fan interest, a preseason tour by the club has revealed more problems.

An ambitious and still-ongoing trip that has included stops in El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, and most recently Hong Kong has generated just one win and a tie in five matches. More troubling, a Sunday match in Hong Kong featured fans booing and demanding ticket refunds as both Messi and teammate Luis Suárez did not play due to further injuries.