Lionel Messi will soon begin the next chapter of his career with Inter Miami. The 36-year-old can officially join the MLS side after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired on June 30.
Ahead of Messi’s move to the United States, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas spoke with El Pais. Mas has high hopes for the Argentine in MLS, so much so that he expects Messi to boost the league to another level.
“There is a very important family element,” Mas said (h/t Mundo Deportivo). “Messi will be in his hemisphere, almost at the same time as in Rosario. It was more important to sell him the idea of soccer in the United States. This is the largest commercial market on the planet. Messi can turn MLS into one of the two or three biggest leagues in the world.
“In the history of [the] sport, there are two events here: Pelé’s arrival at the New York Cosmos and David Beckham’s arrival [at LA Galaxy] in 2007. MessiIt will elevate the league to another level. I think he comes wanting to leave his mark and will be able to do it beyond football. When he retires, he will have a stake in the club.”
Mas likely believes that the MLS has made significant strides in recent years. The league does have a growing fan base, improved infrastructure, and an influx of high-profile players joining MLS. The addition of Messi would be a transformative moment, marking a new era and capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
The prospect of witnessing Messi’s exceptional skills showcased in MLS would undoubtedly attract top talents from around the globe. It could also raise the competition level and increase the league’s international appeal.
