The future of MLS has become a hot topic of discussion ever since Lionel Messi signed with Inter Miami. The Argentine superstar has sparked an unprecedented rise in popularity for both the team and the league, bringing more fans, more sponsors, and record-breaking ticket sales. His contract, which extends until 2025, has put the league on the global map, but what happens when he retires?
Messi’s influence has gone beyond the pitch. Inter Miami has become a household name, and his pink number 10 jersey is the top-selling item worldwide. Fans flock to games to see him, and stadiums are constantly filled to capacity. Yet, with Messi nearing the final chapters of his career, the big question looms: can MLS sustain this momentum after Messi?
A unique phenomenon
Importing football legends to boost the popularity of soccer in the U.S. is nothing new, but Messi’s impact has been unlike anything the league has seen before. According to Bloomberg, the value of MLS teams has skyrocketed by more than $3.2 billion since Messi’s arrival, and Inter Miami alone expects to be worth $2 billion by 2025. While his presence guarantees a short-term boost, the challenge is ensuring long-term growth after Messi decides to hang up his boots.
The future of MLS is not solely reliant on Messi, but finding another player with his global fame and marketability will be difficult. The owner of Inter Miami, Jorge Mas, is hopeful that Messi will extend his contract beyond 2025, but whether the league can maintain its growth without him is uncertain.
What’s next for MLS?
While Messi continues to shine, some owners like Clark Hunt, the CEO of FC Dallas, are confident that MLS will thrive even after Messi. He points to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host, as a key moment for the league. “The World Cup will be a huge catalyst for the growth of MLS. Every host nation in the last 20 years has seen significant leaps in their domestic leagues afterward,” Hunt said.
Yet, the future of MLS doesn’t depend on Messi alone. Inter Miami has attracted dozens of sponsorship deals, bringing in $55 million this season, a far cry from the financial difficulties Messi faced during his final years with Barcelona. Meanwhile, teams like Atlanta United are drawing crowds of 47,000 fans per game, indicating growing interest in soccer across the country.
The Messi effect and the future of MLS
The future of MLS looks promising, but questions remain. Can the league sustain the momentum built by Messi? Investment in young talent, corporate sponsorships, and the excitement around the 2026 World Cup will be key factors. However, whether MLS can establish itself as a top-tier sports league in the U.S. without Messi remains to be seen.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi has undoubtedly transformed MLS, but the league’s real challenge will be proving that it can grow and thrive without him. The future of MLS is bright, but it’s a delicate balance, and only time will tell if soccer can truly become a dominant sport in America.
If you liked this article, share it with your friends or leave us a comment!
