When Lionel Messi announced his move to Inter Miami last summer, hopes were high that his arrival would transform Major League Soccer (MLS) into a destination for world-class talent. However, despite the success Messi has brought to the league in terms of profits and popularity, the influx of other international stars has not materialized.
The administrators of US soccer believed that if the MLS was good enough for Messi, it would attract other great players from Europe, Latin America, and Africa. The goal was to raise the standards of the league, expose American players to higher-quality soccer, and ultimately benefit the US men’s national team. While Messi has fulfilled the first part of the deal, the stampede of stars to the MLS has not materialized.
The most prominent foreign players to join Messi at Inter Miami are Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, all of whom played with him at FC Barcelona. However, all four players are past their prime, with Suarez nearing 37 and Messi turning 36. Despite their age, Inter Miami remains the favorite to win the MLS Cup this season.
The MLS already had a history of attracting aging stars in search of a final payday before retirement, such as Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale. However, the league aspires to more than being a sanctuary for superannuated stars. Toronto FC’s Italian duo of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, although younger, are also reportedly looking for a return to Europe.
The presence of Messi has not prevented talented young American players from seeking opportunities in Europe or influenced foreign-born players to join the MLS. Most star players still prefer to play in competitions that match their talent level, and the MLS, even with Messi, doesn’t currently meet that standard.
To compete for top talent, the MLS must invest the profits generated by Messi’s arrival in raising the standard of American soccer. Improving coaching at the youth level and bringing in foreign coaches could be a good start. By enhancing the quality of the game, the MLS can become a more attractive destination for both young American talents and international stars.
Overall, while Messi’s impact on the MLS has been significant in terms of financial success and popularity, his arrival has not led to a flood of world-class stars as initially hoped. The league must now focus on raising the standards and investing in the future to truly compete for top talent on a global scale.
