Lionel Messi is considered by many soccer fans as the greatest player on the planet and perhaps the best footballer of all time.
The Argentina superstar and World Cup winner is one of the most recognizable sporting icons and is known by millions all over the world.
Having joined Inter Miami this summer, this article will look at the impact Messi will have on his new club and the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise.
Is Messi the Biggest Star to Play in the MLS?
The forward is certain to top the majority of top goal scorer predictions having netted an incredible 715 goals in 885 appearances for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
One of the most decorated soccer players in history, Messi has won a massive haul of domestic and European trophies, including the Champions League on four occasions and has been named Ballon d’Or winner seven times.
Of course, the MLS has been home to David Beckham, now Inter Miami president, Kaka, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Messi is now the biggest name to play in the States.
Messi’s Social Media Presence Will Attract New MLS Fans
As of February 2023, Messi was the second-most followed soccer player on social media with 559 million fans across various platforms. The football superstar only trails former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
His move to Paris Saint-Germain saw a considerable increase in shirt sales in the French capital and his switch to Inter Miami is certain to have the same effect.
Fans of Messi will no doubt tune in to MLS to catch him in action having done similar when he swapped Barcelona’s Camp Nou for the Parc des Princes.
How Messi’s Arrival Can Change the Future of MLS
The United States will host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada and so all eyes will be on the three nations in the build-up to the tournament.
Boasting Lionel Messi in the domestic league enhances the pull for viewers across the world as the MLS looks to bolster its homegrown players alongside the biggest stars in soccer.
While Messi has declared he has no plans to feature in the World Cup having lifted the trophy with Argentina in 2022, his presence in America further enhances its reputation. Messi playing in the MLS will undoubtedly attract more major names to the division and further boost the franchise.