Lionel Messi calls Major League Soccer a ‘minor league’ in interview in Argentina… despite MLS helping bankroll $60m-a-year Inter Miami deal and stars such as Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio seeing him play!

Lionel Messi called Major League Soccer “a minor league” in an interview in Argentina about whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States.

Messi joined David Beckham's Inter Miami in a milestone for the team and the league, with the MLS allowing his $60 million-a-year contract to be partially funded by Apple and Adidas. It could last until 2026.

Apple pays into the deal through subscriptions taken out to watch him play in the league, while Adidas gives him a share of the Miami jerseys sold with his name on the back.

Although the competition is not at the level of the Spanish or French competitions that Messi took part in during his time in Europe, quotes from an interview with Argentina – where he reflects on last year's World Cup victory and his future at international level – provide uncomfortable reading.

When asked about the 2026 tournament, Messi said: “I have said it several times and it is a reality. I will always try to compete to the maximum and I will be the first to know when I can be there and when I can't.

Messi joined Inter Miami earlier this year on a $60 million per year contract with the team

“I'm also aware that I went to a minor league, but a lot of it happens in the way you deal with it and compete.”

Messi said he is focusing on competing for Argentina in next summer's Copa America, which will also be held in the US.

“As long as I feel like I'm doing well and I can continue to contribute, I'm going to do it,” Messi said.

'Today I'm just thinking about getting to the Copa América well and being able to compete in it. We'll fight it again like we always did and try to become champions.'

Messi made an exciting impression when he arrived in Miami this summer. He led the team's victory in the Leagues Cup, scoring eleven goals in fourteen games.

Miami also reached the US Open Cup final but lost to Houston Dynamo, with Messi missing the showpiece through injury.

They also narrowly missed the MLS post-season playoffs after making a disastrous start to the 2023 season under previous coach Phil Neville.

But his arrival in Miami changed the course of their season and led to tremendous excitement for next season: his first full year in MLS.

Celebrities from across the US turned up in droves to see Messi in action, ranging from Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio to LeBron James and Prince Harry.

Moreover, Inter Miami is already sold out for season tickets for next season, even with a huge price increase.