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.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
Inter Miami’s matches have become must-see events, often leading to record-breaking attendance figures for opposing teams. In 2024, both the New England Revolution and Sporting KC experienced unprecedented crowds when facing 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 are also capitalizing on the Messi effect by moving 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 believes MLS must continue to build 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 excitement surrounding Messi, Inter Miami’s recent performance on the field has been mixed. The 0-0 draw with the Fire dropped them to third place in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind leaders Charlotte FC, with a game in hand. The Herons struggled to create scoring opportunities, 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 lack of goals to a grueling schedule, noting that Miami has been playing every three to four days for nearly two months. In addition to MLS matches, the team 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 before beginning 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 Charlotte FC.
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano
