Carlos Vela: “With players like Messi onboard, the MLS brand will continue to grow”

LAFC striker Carlos Vela has been of the highest profile MLS stars in recent years and the Mexican striker and captain of reigning MLS champions LAFC spoke to The Athletic about the state of the league and Leo Messi’s arrival Stateside.

After a recent publicity event, the Mexican ‘Black & Gold’ player spoke with Felipe Cárdenas from ‘The Athletic’ and gave his first impressions of Messi’s arrival at Miami and the boost it has given MLS: “Messi has to be prepared for anything and as he is the best player in the world, he will be instrumental in continuing to grow his brand”.

Vela also added that the most relevant part for the North American league’s growth potential are the commercial alliances that make them progress and the quality of soccer players to deliver a quality product to the fans: “ That is the most important part. We know how the world works. MLS cannot make the leap it wants without sponsors. And with players like Messi, the MLS brand will grow”.

Vela added: “Messi will enjoy his time here. If there is one thing (soccer players) have in this country, it is quality of life. The comfort of knowing that after playing, you can have time with your family and go to public places without so much stress; he will have that. Obviously Messi is well known around the world, but based on what he is used to, he will live a more peaceful life here”.

Watch out for Messi at Inter Miami

The Mexican striker took the opportunity to offer some advice for the Argentine: “He just has to enjoy his football and decide what to do on the pitch to really stand out. He comes from so many years playing in Europe with Barcelona and PSG, (where) strikers receive excellent service and all you have to do is finish the job. In MLS, you have to do a little more”.