Lionel Messi was officially confirmed as Inter Miami’s new captain ahead of Leagues Cup clash against MLS rivals Atlanta United.

MLS announced on their official website that the 36-year-old had been named the new skipper for Inter Miami just weeks into his new life in Florida, with Messi already stealing headlines for the club.

The Argentine international scored a stoppage-time free-kick to secure Inter Miami’s first win since early June in a 2-1 win against Liga MX side Cruz Azul, with fans hopeful that Messi can again produce magic against Atlanta.

Messi was handed the armband last week in Inter Miami’s now-historic win against Cruz Azul, and the decision is a no-brainer with the forward being named captain for the likes of FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team.

With the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also one of the most influential athletes in all of sports, Inter Miami players are likely to respond well to Messi being named captain of the club.

Indeed, more clutch performances like what was seen last week against Cruz Azul will be key in Messi becoming a legend in Florida, with his Inter Miami career already off to a dream start.

Messi and Inter Miami both have grand ideas of making David Beckham’s club the biggest in the United States and beyond, and the Argentine being captain could be key in what’s to come in the next few seasons.

As we know, Messi commands incredible levels of respect from every corner of the soccer world, and the forward being named captain of Inter Miami will only drive his influence in the game.

Moreover, it could lead to Messi playing a massive role in bringing success to Inter Miami, with silverware now an essential for this MLS project to be viewed as a hit.