The MLS was largely seen by most as a below-average soccer league compared to the top leagues in Europe. However, that stance may shift after a huge move from Lionel Messi.
Messi is widely regarded by soccer fans as one of the most iconic names in the sport. Many have been wondering where he was going to ultimately sign after reports emerged earlier this month that he would not be returning to Paris Saint-Germain.
He has seemingly made his decision, and it is a massive one for the sport of soccer in the United States. Italian soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano posted a statement from Messi that reveals we will be joining Inter Miami CF of the MLS.
“I’m gonna join Inter Miami. The decision is 100% confirmed,” Messi said via Romano.
🚨 BREAKING — Lionel Messi: “I’m gonna join Inter Miami. The decision is 100% confirmed”. pic.twitter.com/rm5R4TGFSM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas all but confirmed this by posting a sneak peek of Messi’s jersey on social media.
— Jorge Mas (@Jorge__Mas) June 7, 2023
It is a massive bombshell, and many around the soccer world took to social media to offer their reaction to the news.
https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1666526280618057728
Lionel Messi career in Europe is officially now over. Thanks you Leo for the joy and memories ❤️
Forever the best in history.
pic.twitter.com/YFpymg8ArC— 💎 (@richliviing) June 7, 2023
BREAKING: Lionel Messi has confirmed he is not going to Barcelona, he is going to Inter Miami ✍️ pic.twitter.com/zIMLSN9vPL
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 7, 2023
🚨 Lionel Messi: "I won't go back to Barcelona, I will go to Inter Miami" pic.twitter.com/u5GCG9nVzr
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) June 7, 2023
🗣️ Lionel Messi: "I'm not going back to Barça, I'm going to Inter Miami. I wanted to return to Barça but I didn't want to leave my future in the hands of other people."
“If it had been a matter of money I’d have gone to Arabia or elsewhere. It seemed like a lot of money to me." pic.twitter.com/yEgnjSIJDk
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 7, 2023
It is worth noting that the owner of Inter Miami CF is former soccer star David Beckham, who was the first big-name European player to come over to the MLS originally.
David Beckham's move to MLS is one of the best sports business deals ever:
• Earned $255M over 5 years
• Purchased Inter Miami for $25M
• Inter Miami is valued at $600MAnd now they have Lionel Messi, which will push the club's valuation toward ~$1 billion.
Incredible 🤯 pic.twitter.com/BthRt6E4f9
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 7, 2023
Messi’s impact on the sport can not be understated. He has won the Ballon d’Or, which is given to the best player in the world seven times over his lengthy career.
For a player like this to be joining the MLS was previously unimaginable. His impact could be drastic for the popularity of the sport in the United States given his huge fanbase that follows him.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.