The MLS has long lived as a stepping stool for the careers of professional soccer players. However, with the implementation of Messi’s talent into the American soccer league, the MLS is starting to become a desired destination for many stars around the world. Furthermore, Messi’s popularity and play is bringing large amounts of money to not only his team, but the MLS as a whole. This development is looking to make a massive impact on the future of soccer’s status in America.
In only his first ten games, the skilled Argentinian striker has already racked up 11 goals and 3 assists, alongside an undefeated record and a Leagues Cup trophy since his arrival in July. Before Messi joined Miami, the team was known to be one of the worst in the entire MLS. After his debut, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham stated “The future of soccer in America is so bright”.
It is with no doubt that the future of American soccer is bright, but the money bag shines even brighter for Miami and MLS. Ticket prices have gone up 1000%, merchandise demand is overflowing, and team value is skyrocketing. After making around $600 million in 2022, Inter is expected to be valued at over 1 billion with the emergence of Messi’s star power. In fact, Miami is already using this increase in money to purchase a completely new stadium in Freedom Park. Not only is Inter raking in the big bucks, but, the MLS overall is banking on the Argentinian.
Moreover, the presence of Messi is bringing over other European players to American soccer. Former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets and renowned left-back Jordi Alba are just a few of the big names that have followed Messi to the MLS stage. With the increase of money and star power in American soccer, it is becoming more and more desirable for European stars to make a move to the United States.
However, more importantly to America, the increase in soccer’s presence throughout the states will inspire a new generation of youth USA soccer. Kids in America will now have the ability to grow up watching Messi. Using his talent as inspiration, the USA national team will no doubt have many young stars in the very near future. While Messi plays for Argentina, his allure on the soccer field may deliver the USA a great deal of trophies on the international stage.
While the MLS has long stood as a stepping stool for players to begin careers in Europe, Messi’s presence is changing the long-time middle-ground reputation. In the international star’s first couple of Major League Soccer games, he’s already excelled both on the field with his skill, and off the field with his marketability. With Messi’s enticing lure, not only will the league become more popular for transferring European stars, but the future of American soccer will begin to develop even quicker with new young players finding inspiration in Messi’s skillset on the field. Since Messi joined the MLS, it is very evident that his impact will have a long-lasting effect on soccer in the USA.
