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Lionel Messi and Inter Miami open 2024 MLS season: Must-see pictures from Fort Lauderdale

Messi Mania 2024 is officially underway as Inter Miami CF kicked off the new MLS season by defeating Real Salt Lake, 2-0, on Wednesday night.

Inter Miami's power quartet of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba were all in the starting lineup for the season opener at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

With Messi's pals from his FC Barcelona glory days in tow, Inter Miami faces huge expectations heading into the 2024 MLS season. The season opener is just the first step toward what should be a memorable season in South Florida for Messi and the Herons.

Here are the best images from the landmark season-opening night in Fort Lauderdale:

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez arrive for the 2024 MLS season opening game against Real Salt Lake at Chase Stadium.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez arrive for the 2024 MLS season opening game against Real Salt Lake at Chase Stadium.
Actor Will Smith hangs out before the Inter Miami-Real Salt Lake game.
Actor Will Smith hangs out before the Inter Miami-Real Salt Lake game.
Lionel Messi takes the field for pregame warmups.
Lionel Messi takes the field for pregame warmups.
The starting 11 for Inter Miami pose for a photograph before playing Real Salt Lake.
The starting 11 for Inter Miami pose for a photograph before playing Real Salt Lake.
Real Salt Lake defender Justen Glad challenges Lionel Messi as he attempts to shoot the ball.
Real Salt Lake defender Justen Glad challenges Lionel Messi as he attempts to shoot the ball.
Lionel Messi handles the ball past while Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna defends.
Lionel Messi handles the ball past while Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna defends.
Lionel Messi dribbles the ball while surrounded by Real Salt Lake players.
Lionel Messi dribbles the ball while surrounded by Real Salt Lake players.
Lionel Messi attempts to control the ball against Real Salt Lake.
Lionel Messi attempts to control the ball against Real Salt Lake.
Lionel Messi celebrates a goal by teammate Diego Gomez (20), which put Inter Miami up 2-0.
Lionel Messi celebrates a goal by teammate Diego Gomez (20), which put Inter Miami up 2-0.
Lionel Messi and teammate Jordi Alba embrace following Inter Miami's 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Lionel Messi and teammate Jordi Alba embrace following Inter Miami's 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Lionel Messi reacts after a 2-0 season-opening win over Real Salt Lake.
Lionel Messi reacts after a 2-0 season-opening win over Real Salt Lake.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Photos from Messi and Inter Miami MLS season opener vs. Real Salt Lake