MLS chief: I didn’t think Lionel Messi would come to MLS

Ever since the new franchise led by Jorge Mas and David Beckham was unveiled in Miami, the Cuban-American businessman always had the dream to sign Lionel Messi, admitted Don Garber on Sunday afternoon.

During a chat he had with the media, the MLS commissioner was also excited by the arrival of the Argentine star who won the World Cup in Qatar 2022.

“Lionel Messi was on Jorge’s radar from the beginning but I didn’t think he would bring him to MLS. But here we are today with a player that I think without a doubt is not only a generational player, but in my opinion, the greatest player of all time” said Garber.

He went on to discuss the importance of Apple’s arrival in the MLS, as he stated that none of this would have been possible without the ambition of Jorge and José Mas, as well as David Beckham.

“This wouldn’t happen without Jorge and Jose Mas and their belief in MLS and making an unprecedented investment in a player. It doesn’t happen without David Beckham. David is a quiet guy. He said from the beginning, ‘I’m going to bring in the best players in the world’ and he was able to deliver that and his influence and his MLS experience is something that I think helped convince the player that this was a place that would be good for him.”

Messi's goals

Garber then pointed out that Messi has not come to MLS simply to retire and end his career, since he believes that he still has challenges ahead both in the league and in the national team.

Next year, Argentina will seek to defend its title in the Copa América, which will be held in the United States with the 10 Conmebol teams and six more from Concacaf.

“My expectations are that Messi will continue to be a member of the Argentine national team. There is a lot of international stuff going on, so he will play as much as he can,” added the MLS boss.