Messi’s Impact on MLS: A Game-Changer for American Soccer
It’s been nearly two years since Lionel Messi made the groundbreaking move to Inter Miami, and the ripple effects of his presence in Major League Soccer (MLS) are undeniable. Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, recently shared his thoughts on Messi’s influence, acknowledging the Argentine superstar’s role in elevating the league’s profile while also emphasizing the need for continued progress.
After a 0-0 draw with the Chicago Fire, Mascherano reflected on Messi’s transformative impact. “In the summer, Messi will have been here for two years, and I think he’s changing how the world sees MLS in one way or another,” he stated. “There’s no doubt about that. In the end, we’re talking about a player who’s capable of achieving all of that, of giving maximum visibility to a league like this.”
Indeed, Messi’s influence was on full display at Soldier Field, where he helped set an all-time attendance record for the Fire with 62,358 fans. This was Messi’s first match at the iconic venue, and the turnout was a testament to his drawing power. “We saw it today, and it’s one of the many examples of everything he generates. The people came to see him, that’s the reality,” Mascherano noted.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Beyond
Inter Miami’s matches have consistently drawn large crowds, often breaking attendance records for opposing teams. In 2024, both the New England Revolution and Sporting KC saw record-breaking numbers when they faced Messi. The Revolution’s game was held at Gillette Stadium, while Sporting KC’s match took place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Other clubs have also adapted to the Messi effect by moving their games to larger venues. For instance, the Columbus Crew will host Inter Miami at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, to accommodate the high demand for tickets.
The Road Ahead for MLS
While Messi’s presence has undoubtedly boosted the league’s visibility, Mascherano stressed that MLS must capitalize on this momentum. “Now, MLS has the responsibility to continue advancing,” he said. “It’s made progress, but it’s necessary to continue supporting the fact that I’m here to continue developing soccer in this country. He’s a unique, unrepeatable player. Everywhere he’s been, he’s marked a before and after.”
Despite the draw against the Fire, Inter Miami remains a strong contender in the Eastern Conference. The result dropped them to third place, but they are just one point behind leaders Charlotte FC and have played one game less. The Herons struggled to create chances, managing only 10 shots with three on target, compared to the Fire’s 16 shots and seven on goal.
Challenges and Opportunities
Mascherano attributed the team’s recent struggles to a grueling schedule, with matches every three to four days for nearly two months. In addition to MLS play, Miami is competing in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup. “We have to remember that, in our case, we’ve been playing every three or four days for almost two months, and the wear and tear is very high,” Mascherano explained. “And despite everything, the team continues to compete. There are days when the team performs better and other days when it doesn’t, but in the end, the team competes.”
Despite the challenges, Mascherano praised his team for maintaining a clean sheet and securing a hard-fought draw. Looking ahead, Inter Miami will face the Columbus Crew on Saturday night and begin a two-legged semifinal with the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Champions Cup on April 24.
- Inter Miami’s next match: Columbus Crew on Saturday night
- Champions Cup semifinal: Vancouver Whitecaps on April 24
- Current Eastern Conference standing: Third place, one point behind leaders
As Messi continues to make waves in MLS, the league has a unique opportunity to build on this momentum and further develop soccer in the United States. The journey is far from over, but with Messi leading the charge, the future looks promising.
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano
