Lionel Messi is bringing the glitz, glam and fanbase to the MLS, not just with his dazzling soccer skills, but also for his standing in the global game.
Messi is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest soccer players, and has won a record seven Ballon d’Or trophies, widely regarded as the most elite awards across the globe.
The 36-year-old is also a World Cup winner for Argentina and is now plying his trade in the US, after joining Inter Miami as a free agent earlier this year.
Messi will make his MLS debut on 26 August, but he is sparking feverish attention in a country that is becoming enchanted with the sport. Messi is such a global superstar that wherever he plays, more of his ilk will follow.
"I think [the MLS] has every opportunity to do so [grow]," he told reporters. "That growth depends a lot on the league. It’s an ideal moment to grow. There are important competitions upcoming that will be played in this country," he said.
Messi is referring to the Copa America in 2024 and the World Cup in 2026, two of soccer’s biggest events.
Behind the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event across the globe.
"It"s time for the league to make that leap and finish growing, finish looking for what is has been seeking for a while.
"Everything is in place here to witness top-level football (soccer) because of the country, the structure, a bunch of things," the maestro added, insisting the MLS will catch up to the rest of Europe if they keep the momentum and zeitgeist for soccer in a country.
The US national team slowly starting to catch up to the rest of the world and could potentially become genuine World Cup contenders soon.
But charity starts at home, and the MLS will have to try lure a few more big stars, to shine more global attention on the league. This will mean more sponsorship, more money to reshape the league and all the benefits that comes with being a world-leading league.
Messi, a Barcelona legend, played for the Catalan side for from the precocious age of 13 going on to win a host of club championships, continental cups, and international success.
He moved briefly to French giants PSG before making the leap across the Atlantic Ocean.
Where Messi goes, more will follow, that is for sure.
