Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi reflects on his impact in MLS and explains how the league can improve

Lionel Messi has perhaps made the biggest impact of any player in the world Major League Football history, not only through his on-field achievements, but also by transforming TV deals, attendance figures and the league’s global visibility. More than two years after joining InterMiamiwhat the Argentinian legend pondered its influence in the United States and shared his thoughts on the matter what MLS needs to do to take the next step forward.

On Thursday October 23 Inter Miami announced the extension of Messi’s contract, extending his stay with the Herons through 2028. The decision represents a milestone not only for the club, but also for the league, which continues to benefit from the presence of its most recognizable face. Messi’s performances have redefined expectations for a Designated Player and another MLS MVP award already seems within reach.

In an interview with NBC Newsjournalist Tom Llamas asked Messi if he believes he has succeeded in raising Inter Miami’s global profile: “I think so, yes. Today, the Inter Miami brand has become very strong not only in the US but also on a global level. I believe the club has undergone a significant transformation and grown in every aspect: athletically, institutionally and organizationally. And I think there is even more room to continue to grow and improve in all aspects.”

Messi also touched on the development of MLS itself, emphasizing that the league’s potential depends on taking bolder steps. “As for the development of soccer in the US, I see it as possible, but major changes are needed to keep teams growing. The clubs are ready and really want to realize this growth, and I believe the time is now right for that.he declared.

Among the changes he believes are essential, Messi highlighted one key rule that could reshape the competition: “For this development to begin, each team must have the freedom to bring in the players they want and sign them without restrictions or regulations that restrict this.

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“Today, all teams and clubs in the US have the resources and capabilities to do thisand I believe that if they were given this freedom, many great players would come, who would greatly help the development of football in America.Messi concluded.

MLS salary cap: Messi’s biggest complaint

Messi’s impact in MLS has been magnified by the arrival of other global stars such as Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller, who have both expressed their admiration for the Argentine. However, one of the most The continued frustrations of Inter Miami players, including Messi, are shaping the league’s strict salary cap.

In February, Luis Suárez spoke about the challenges Inter Miami faced in the lead-up to the FIFA Club World Cupadmitting that MLS roster rules limited the club’s ability to compete with international powerhouses. Even as Neymar was rumored to be a potential signing, head coach Javier Mascherano publicly acknowledged that the club was limited by MLS financial regulations.

Then, in an April interview with the Just football YouTube channel, Messi himself admitted that the growth of the league was slowed by “many restrictions‘ about the acquisition of players. Despite these restrictions, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has committed his future to Inter Miami, but made it clear that he believes the rules must evolve for MLS to reach its full potential.