Friedel: Messi joining MLS would be “unlike anything USA has seen before”
Could Lionel Messi really join MLS with Inter Miami? It may seem like a dream, but it could potentially be a reality, too.
Lionel Messi playing in MLS for Inter Miami really would be one of the coolest things the US has ever seen, and it’s an actual possibility. The Argentinian star is apparently considering moving to the US when his contract expires with PSG.
“We had David Beckham over here, which was one of the best signings that MLS ever made for notoriety around the world,” said former United States international Brad Friedel. “And in today’s day and age with social media, everyone’s sort of a journalist with their phones these days, and how quickly media gets around the world. It would be unlike anything anyone’s ever seen in this country.”
Before Messi’s move to Paris, it seemed like he would play in Barcelona until the end of his career. Since it didn’t end up that way, it seems like anything could happen. And now, his contract will be coming to an end with PSG in 2023, so he’s got options.
Inter Miami and Messi will meet again once the World Cup is over and Messi can make a decision. Club co-owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham have both been open about their admiration for Messi and they believe that he’s still just as good a player as he always has been. They are pushing for the move.
“It would be incredible if Lionel Messi was playing in this league.” said Friedel. “The fans that he attracts, the global respect, how good he has been. If they can pull that off… I’m not generally for the older player coming in [to MLS], but like [Giorgio] Chiellini and [Gareth] Bale were for a reason and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic was for a reason, and they worked out. So if you can get Messi, get him over here.”
Miami could be a tempting offer for Messi for a few reasons. It is a city full of Latino culture and it’s a much shorter flight to his native Argentina than any European club. If he is looking towards the end of his playing career, Miami might be a move that just makes sense.
Back in 2020, Messi talked about how he would like to have the opportunity to live in the US at some point.
“I always said that I have the impression that I would like to enjoy the experience of living in the United States, of living in that league and that life,” Messi said. “But if it happens or not, I don’t know.”
If Messi truly joins the MLS, it could do wonders to boost soccer in America and like Beckham before him, influence others to become fans.