Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has been a cause of growth and immediate impact for Major League Soccer (MLS). Since joining Beckham’s team, there has been a clear improvement in football, mentally and emotionally, generating a sporting revolution.
From the first moment Messi stepped onto American turf, it was clear that his impact was going to be extraordinary. In his senior debut, he came on in the 53rd minute against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. In addition, not only Messi came on, but also Sergio Busquets, another player chosen by Inter Miami after the arrival of the Argentine star. Shortly after the match ended in a draw, Messi achieved his first victory after scoring a goal from a free kick, and thus, this new stage began.
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Under his leadership, Inter Miami was crowned champion of the Leagues Cup, a historic title that positioned the team as a force to be reckoned with in the MLS. However, Messi’s influence goes much further. The league has raised its level, showing that it can be a competitive league. In addition, he managed to attract great footballers such as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
On the other hand, he has been an inspiration for many youngsters who today dream of reaching the first division. In fact, several promising Argentine footballers such as Langoni, Redondo, and Weigandt, who were being followed by European teams, have made the decision to come to the MLS and share, in one way or another, with Messi.
This sporting success has revitalized a league that, while growing, had yet to capture the massive attention of fans in and outside the United States. With Messi, every Inter Miami match has become an eagerly awaited event, and fans not only fill stadiums but also generate record audiences on television and digital platforms. It is a phenomenon that many compare to David Beckham’s arrival at the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, but Messi’s impact far surpasses that.
The Messi effect on the American soccer economy
Messi’s legacy goes beyond sporting results, in fact, his arrival has been an explosion for the American market. In 2022, when Messi had not yet arrived in the MLS, tickets to go see Inter Miami were around $50 or $60 dollars. After his signing was announced, tickets rose considerably, reaching $1,000 and $2,000 dollars.
In addition, the team has benefited from the incredible amount of jersey sales thanks to Messi, where they have even sparked increased interest from new sponsors, not only for Inter Miami but also for the entire league.
A cultural shift in American sport
Messi’s impact has also transcended the boundaries of the field and the economy to influence sports culture in the United States. For the first time, soccer is competing with sports like baseball, basketball, and football in terms of media and cultural attention. Lionel’s presence has attracted a new generation of fans, many of them young and Latino, who see in him a direct connection to the world’s most popular sport.
The media coverage of Messi and his impact has been overwhelming, not just in sports media, but in media of all kinds. Social media is filled with content about his performance, and he has become a symbol of what soccer can become in the United States.
Challenges and the future of soccer in the United States
While Lionel’s initial impact has been revolutionary, it remains to be seen how it will hold up in the long term. The challenge now for MLS is to capitalize on this momentum and continue to develop the league in a sustainable manner. Teams will need to invest in infrastructure, and talent development and continue to attract high-profile players to keep the spotlight on the game.
On the other hand, Messi has opened the door for more international stars to consider the United States as a serious destination for their career, which could increase the overall quality of the league. However, there is also the challenge for MLS to not rely solely on the Argentine and continue to strengthen its teams, its academies, and its international presence.
Lionel Messi’s arrival in the United States has been much more than a star signing. It has been a transformative event. More than 800 goals, 10 Spanish league titles, four Champions Leagues, seven Ballon d’Or, and a World Cup, among many other titles, accompany Messi in this new stage.
