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Why Lionel Messi’s Move to Inter Miami Matters for MLS and US Soccer
Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player of his generation and one of the most popular sports figures in the world, has announced that he is likely to join Inter Miami, a professional soccer club based in Miami, Florida, and owned by former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain player David Beckham, among others. While the deal is not yet finalized, and some reports suggest that Messi may still stay at Paris Saint-Germain, where he played for one season after leaving FC Barcelona, his decision to consider Major League Soccer (MLS), the top league of soccer in the United States and Canada, has generated widespread buzz and excitement among fans, media, and investors. Here are some reasons why Messi’s potential move to Inter Miami matters for MLS, US soccer, and the sport in general.
Attracting Global Attention and Investment
One of the main benefits of signing Messi, who has won numerous awards, records, and trophies with Barcelona and Argentina, is that he brings unprecedented star power and fan following to MLS, a league that has made steady progress in its 26-year history but still struggles to compete with more established and lucrative soccer markets in Europe, South America, and Asia. With Messi, who has more than 250 million social media followers and a net worth of $400 million, according to Forbes, Inter Miami would instantly become a more attractive and marketable team, capable of selling more tickets, merchandise, and sponsorships, and attracting more media coverage, both domestically and internationally. Moreover, Messi’s arrival could inspire more talented players from around the world to consider playing in MLS, especially if they see it as a viable and desirable destination, rather than a retirement league or a stepping stone.
Capitalizing on North American World Cup
Another factor that makes Messi’s potential move to MLS timely and relevant is the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue and media exposure. While the tournament is still five years away, the preparations and buzz have already begun, and MLS can leverage this momentum to strengthen its own brand and reputation, and to position itself as a key contributor to the success of the World Cup. By having more star players, competitive teams, and passionate fan bases, MLS can capitalize on the attention and interest that soccer will receive in North America, and use it to expand its influence and impact in the global soccer landscape.
Counterbalancing Rival Leagues and Markets
A third reason why Messi’s move to MLS is significant is that it can help MLS to compete with other soccer leagues and markets that have been emerging or expanding in recent years, and that pose a threat to MLS’s growth and viability. For example, China, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have invested heavily in recruiting and signing star players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Mohamed Salah, to play in their domestic leagues, which have grown in prominence and prestige thanks to large salaries, lenient regulations, and luxurious facilities. While these leagues face some challenges, such as match-fixing, corruption, and human rights controversies, they offer stronger financial incentives than MLS, and can attract players who seek both money and prestige. By signing Messi, however, MLS can demonstrate that it has the ability and ambition to compete for the best players, and that it can offer them not only a decent salary and lifestyle, but also a competitive and exciting soccer environment, with diverse markets and cultures.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Of course, Messi’s move to MLS, if it happens, is not without risks and challenges. For one, Messi is already 35 years old, and although he is still a formidable force on the field, he may not be able to replicate his peak performance in a different league and climate. Additionally, Inter Miami is still a new team, founded in 2018, and has not yet established a strong reputation or success record in MLS, where it finished last in its conference in 2021. Moreover, MLS itself has faced criticism and debate over its format, rules, and standards, and has struggled to produce consistent and competitive teams that can match the best clubs in Europe or South America. Nevertheless, Messi’s potential move to MLS presents an opportunity for the league and US soccer to accelerate their growth, increase their exposure, and enhance their credibility and quality.
Summary:
Lionel Messi has indicated that he is likely to join Inter Miami, a professional soccer team in Major League Soccer (MLS), which could bring unprecedented star power and fan following to a growing league that seeks to compete with other top soccer markets. Messi’s arrival could help MLS to attract more talented players, capitalize on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, and counterbalance rival leagues and markets that offer more money and prestige. However, the move is not without challenges, and requires Inter Miami and MLS to establish a stronger reputation and diversity, and to improve the quality and competitiveness of their teams and standards.
Additional piece:
How MLS Can Embrace and Innovate in the Post-Messi Era
While Messi’s potential move to Inter Miami has generated much excitement and optimism among soccer fans and stakeholders, it also raises questions and challenges for MLS, which must now adapt and evolve to sustain its growth and relevance in a rapidly changing and competitive sports landscape. Here are some ideas and strategies that MLS can consider to embrace and innovate in the post-Messi era, and to enhance its appeal and impact.
1) Focus on Youth Development and Diversity
One way that MLS can differentiate itself from other soccer leagues and attract and retain top players is by investing more resources and attention into youth development and diversity initiatives. For example, MLS can partner with local communities, schools, and academies to identify and cultivate talented players from diverse backgrounds, who can bring fresh perspectives, styles, and values to the league. MLS can also create more opportunities for young and aspiring players to showcase their skills and potentials, such as through youth leagues, international tournaments, or scouting programs. By emphasizing youth development and diversity, MLS can not only produce more competitive and impressive teams, but also strengthen its social and cultural appeal, and expand its fan base and revenue streams.
2) Experiment with New Formats and Rules
Another way that MLS can innovate and attract more attention and interest is by experimenting with new formats and rules that can make soccer more exciting, interactive, and engaging to fans. For example, MLS can try a new playoff system that rewards more teams and creates more drama and unpredictability, or a new scoring system that values assists, saves, or shots, in addition to goals. MLS can also encourage more interactive and fan-friendly experiences during games, such as by using technology and data to offer real-time analytics, insights, or trivia, or by introducing new fan activities, such as penalty kicks, halftime games, or player challenges. By experimenting with new formats and rules, MLS can not only differentiate itself from other soccer leagues, but also create more reasons for fans to follow and watch the games, both live and online.
3) Collaborate with Other Sports and Industries
A third way that MLS can innovate and expand its relevance and impact is by collaborating more with other sports and industries that share common interests and themes. For example, MLS can partner with the music industry to promote concerts and festivals that coincide with soccer games, or with the fashion industry to design stylish and functional soccer apparel that appeals to diverse preferences and tastes. MLS can also partner with other sports leagues, such as the NBA, NFL, or NHL, to cross-promote their brands and events, or to develop joint initiatives that address social and environmental issues, or that support grassroots and amateur athletes. By collaborating with other sports and industries, MLS can not only share resources, expertise, and exposure but also create more synergies and diversify its image and impact.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s potential move to Inter Miami can be a transformative moment for MLS and US soccer, but it also presents a challenge and an opportunity for MLS to innovate and evolve into a more engaging, diverse, and competitive league. By investing in youth development and diversity, experimenting with new formats and rules, and collaborating with other sports and industries, MLS can adapt to the changing demands and expectations of fans and stakeholders and maintain its position as a relevant and popular soccer market.
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Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer star and reigning World Cup champion, has said he is likely to join Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, giving the US league a huge boost at a time of heightened global competition for top talent of this sport.
MessiThe 35-year-old has played his entire club career in Europe, with nearly 20 years at FC Barcelona and his most recent spell at Paris Saint-Germain. Although he has been toying with the idea of returning to the Spanish club in recent weeks, he told Spanish media Mundo Deportivo on Tuesday: “I have made the decision to go to Miami. I haven’t closed things 100 percent yet but. . . we decided to continue on that path”.
Inter Miami appeared to confirm that Messi would be joining the squad, posting a video to his Twitter account showing reports of his alleged signing and ending with a mockup of the team logo and his name. An Inter Miami spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
With a potential move to Miami, Messi would give the rapidly growing MLS league its biggest star power in a generation and give his fans in the Americas a regular opportunity to see him play closer to his own time zone.
Other top European talents, including Thierry Henry, Andrea Pirlo and Zlatan Ibrahimović, all played for spells in MLS at the end of their careers.
At the same time, Messi’s move to the US comes as other big talent including rival Cristiano Ronaldo have flocked to play in Saudi Arabia, whose investment fund is public this week consolidated management of some top clubs in a wider investment in the sport.
Financial and athletic interest in soccer in North America has been fueled by the upcoming Men’s World Cup, to be hosted across the continent in 2026. It has also been underscored by increased ratings in MLS teams and expansion franchises. Last month, British billionaire tycoon Mohamed Mansour led a $500 million purchase of a newly created MLS franchise, San Diego FC, as the league began its landmark 10-year, $2.5 billion broadcast deal with Apple this season.
In a statement on Wednesday, MLS said that “while work remains to finalize a formal deal, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest footballers of all time to our league.”
Inter Miami is owned by retired English great David Beckham and brothers Jorge and Jose Mas. Beckham became one of the first megawatt stars to defect from the European leagues and join MLS when he agreed to a five-year deal with the LA Galaxy in 2007.
https://www.ft.com/content/52b84c2e-93fe-4954-acea-d31bab99e92c
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