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. Coach Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi’s, has been vocal about the transformative impact the Argentine superstar has had on the league. However, Mascherano is quick to point out that while progress has been made, there’s still a long way to go.
After a recent 0-0 draw with the Chicago Fire, Mascherano reflected on Messi’s influence. “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 said. “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 impact 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.
Inter Miami’s ability to draw crowds isn’t limited to Chicago. The New England Revolution and Sporting KC also saw record-breaking attendance numbers in 2024 when they faced off against Messi and his team. The Revolution’s game was held at Gillette Stadium, while Sporting KC hosted Miami at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The demand for tickets is so high that other clubs, like the Columbus Crew, have moved their matches against Inter Miami to larger venues, such as Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
Despite these successes, Mascherano emphasized that the league must capitalize on Messi’s presence both on and off the field. “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.”
While the draw against Chicago dropped Inter Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference, the team remains just one point away from leaders Charlotte FC, having played one game less. The Herons struggled to generate chances, managing just 10 shots and three on goal compared to the Fire’s 16 shots and seven on goal.
Mascherano attributed the lack of goals to a grueling schedule, noting that the team has been playing every three or four days for nearly two months. In addition to MLS play, Miami is also 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,” he 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
- Upcoming 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
