Welcome to our NPR series where we highlight the newsmakers and their stories behind the headlines. In this edition, we focus on Lionel Messi, the world’s biggest soccer star, who has recently joined Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team. Messi’s move to the American league has sparked global attention due to his decline of a massive contract and his departure from the prestigious European leagues. This raises the question of whether Messi’s star power can elevate the MLS to a new level in terms of popularity and fan base.
The MLS, which is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary, represents soccer at the highest level in the United States. While the league has grown in popularity over the years, it still lags behind the major European leagues in terms of fans and influence. However, the presence of a major superstar like David Beckham in the mid-2000s injected new life and increased attendance in the league. Now, as Messi begins his era in the U.S., there is hope that his star power can have a similar impact.
Don Garber, the MLS commissioner since 1999, believes that being part of the global conversation in international football is crucial for the league’s success. Comparing themselves to the big European leagues and other major domestic sports, the MLS aims to close the gap and compete in terms of reach and fan base. Garber emphasizes the importance of development programs, homegrown player systems, and international player transfers as tools to increase the league’s global presence.
Messi made his debut with Inter Miami last Friday, scoring the game-winning goal. He will reportedly earn $60 million per year and also receive a cut in revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. Garber believes that in order for Messi to succeed in the long term, he needs to acclimate to American culture, and his recent viral posts of him shopping at a local grocery store in South Florida may be a part of that process.
In conclusion, Messi’s move to the MLS has brought excitement and high expectations. As the league continues to grow and evolve, the hope is that Messi’s star power can propel it to new heights in terms of popularity and fan base.