Lionel Messi has been credited with changing “everything” in MLS, with the Inter Miami star’s impact in American sport compared to Michael Jordan.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Argentine moved to the States in 2023
• Made immediate impact on & off the pitch
• Chasing down more honours in 2024

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi moved to the United States in 2023 when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. The Barcelona legend became a free agent and was lured to Florida by David Beckham and Inter Miami’s ownership team.

  Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Argentine icon has been a revelation in the States, on and off the pitch, with his presence – while remaining fiercely competitive in pursuit of major honours – helping to raise the profile of MLS. Every game that he graces sparks a scramble for tickets, with plenty of A-list guests eager to watch him in action.

• WHAT ASENSI SAID

  Inter Miami co-president Xavier Asensi has told those at "The future of clubs in the new world of football' debate held at the College of Economists of Catalonia of why Messi can be likened to NBA great Jordan: “For MLS there is a before and after Messi. He has changed everything. People can be from any team, but they go to the field to see Messi. He is the only example comparable to Jordan.”

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Asensi added on how the Herons set about putting a deal in place for the all-time great: “When Messi goes to Paris, a machine is turned on in my head and that of the owner to ensure that, when these two years of control are over, the United States will be the next destination.

  “If we did the same thing or tried to compete head-to-head with other clubs, it would be impossible to win, because someone with more money or history than us, who had been around for three years, would come along. I went to the League and explained to them with data and tried to sell that if Messi came, it would change their lives. I went to Adidas, Fanatics and Apple.”