
The sight of David Beckham welcoming Lionel Messi onto the Inter Miami pitch as an official Major League Soccer player was nothing short of symbolic. Beckham, the catalyst for the league’s growth, has now paved the way for arguably the greatest player of all time to join MLS. As Messi was presented to an enthusiastic crowd of 20,000 Inter Miami fans on Sunday, the event felt like the dawn of a new era for the league.
Jorge Mas, Inter Miami’s co-owner, eloquently referred to the South Florida rain as “holy water” during Messi’s unveiling, declaring that there will be a clear distinction between the MLS before and after Messi’s arrival. The 36-year-old football icon is expected to make his debut against Cruz Azul this Friday, although it remains uncertain whether he will start the match.
Messi was joined on stage by his former Barcelona teammate, Sergio Busquets, who has also made the move to Inter Miami. There are also rumors swirling around the potential signing of Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez, adding further star power to MLS.
The signing of Messi represents a significant milestone for MLS, attracting more household names to the league. To secure the Argentine superstar’s services, MLS bent its own rules, offering Messi a substantial annual salary ranging from $50 million to $60 million. His contract includes commercial incentives tied to Adidas jersey sales and Apple TV+ subscribers, while he was also offered equity in Inter Miami.
The impact of Messi’s arrival could extend beyond MLS. The heavily incentivized contract might prompt players and agents worldwide to seek similar deals. Much like Michael Jordan revolutionized athlete endorsement deals, Messi’s influence could reshape soccer contracts globally. Some already liken him to soccer’s Jordan.
On a micro level, Messi’s presence in MLS might compel the league to reassess its restrictive roster rules. Currently, clubs are limited to having only three Designated Players (DPs) at a time. While the rule served its purpose in the past, protecting the league from reckless spending, it might be hampering clubs from reaching their full potential now.
MLS’s trade and transfer rules also need reevaluation, as they often baffle casual fans with unnecessary jargon. Simplifying these processes could generate more interest and engagement, similar to how transfer gossip drives discussions in world soccer.
Furthermore, MLS should be mindful of the potential competition from other leagues. The Saudi Pro League, for instance, has been attracting star players, prompting MLS to consider ways to facilitate transfer trades with the USA and Canada.
With Messi’s arrival, MLS has entered a transformative phase comparable to when Beckham joined the LA Galaxy 16 years ago. The league holds tremendous potential, especially with upcoming events like the 2024 Copa America, 2025 Club World Cup, and 2026 World Cup on American soil. MLS’s new landmark broadcast deal with Apple, its renewed partnership with Adidas until 2030, and the introduction of the Leagues Cup are further steps towards growth.
However, MLS cannot rest on its laurels; Messi’s presence should serve as a catalyst to drive continuous improvement. It’s a moment of opportunity that should inspire everyone involved in American soccer to aim higher and strive for better. Messi’s arrival is undoubtedly a game-changer, but MLS must keep pushing forward to truly capitalize on this remarkable moment.