Messy Reactions: Messi to MLS?
The internet is abuzz with tantalizing tidbits about Messi's future and his desire to win the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup before he hangs up his cleats. We weigh in.
Lionel Messi is coming to Major League Soccer, in particular Inter Miami.
The internet has exploded with jokes and questions about this potential record-setting deal for MLS, despite a lucrative offer from a Saudi club for the World Cup winner’s services. On the MLS side, the salary will likely be big, but Apple, Adidas, and others are involved to sweeten the pot. It makes sense for Apple, as their subscriptions will get a hefty boost as people around the world will tune into Major League Soccer to see Messi get a penalty kick blocked by FC Dallas homegrown Antonio Carrera (at some point - no pressure, Antonio).
I asked our staff. Only Jose could get back to us.
Jose Carmona:
We all understand this is a massive deal for MLS. The impact for the league could be far bigger than when Beckham played in L.A.
I dare say, that for our generation, this could be the closest we get to the “Pele joins NASL” moment in time.
The immediate impact will be drawing more eyes to MLS - a huge deal for a league that is still growing. There's also the very real possibility that some teams will have to move their matches to a bigger stadium when Messi comes to town.
We won't know the long term effect for several years, but the possibilities are promising.
Congratulations MLS! You've found a way to draw eyes worldwide. Now what are you going to do to ensure many of those eyes don't wander away?
As for me, I know the drama is going to play out a bit. The devil will be in the details, but it is a big win for Major League Soccer.
Oh, and Apple. Back to that in a moment.
Is it a big win for Inter Miami? I mean, I don’t think some homegrown beats Messi out of a job, but it will raise big questions about how good that team can be. Will Messi be fit enough to play the full 90? Will he fit a Tata Martino system? Will he melt in the Florida swamp heat? Who else can they add to support that attack and build a more competent team around Messi?
Victor Ulloa will be the first FC Dallas homegrown to play alongside Messi, so that’s pretty cool. (Rumors suggest Ulloa might be on the trading block though.)
Let’s get back to Apple - they likely get the biggest win, as it will draw more eyes to their MLS Season Pass package and entice fans worldwide to watch Messi compete across the North American landscape. Messi playing against Liga MX teams looks spicy as well. It’s just wild to think of how much this helps Apple grow this part of their business, and when the VisionPro device gets released, surely there will be some way to watch a MLS match in 3D or something. See Messi score from every angle?
Anyway, it’s wild. And makes this season even more interesting.
What are YOUR reactions?