Lionel Messi: 5 ways Argentine’s star’s arrival will impact football in America

News Desk July 17, 2023 in FOOTBALL, SPORTS - 3 Minutes

Lionel Messi has been a great talent to the footballing world since his career began in Barcelona, bringing a lot of influence aside from playing on the field.

The Argentine signed for the American club side last month after leaving Paris Saint Germain on a free transfer.

Former Barcelona and PSG superstar Lionel Messi was announced by his new club Inter Miami yesterday.

With Lionel Messi’s recent announcement by Inter Miami, we take a look at what America stands to gain from his arrival.

Messi’s impact in America

1. League quality

One major influence Lionel Messi will bring to Major League Soccer (MLS) is improving the quality of the league.

The Argentines’ presence in the MLS will bring in more people to watch the league more often and make other teams want to improve.

An example of this is Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia which has improved the quality of the league making other star players want to play there.

2. More brands investments

Lionel Messi is a brand name on its own and his name will pull other brands into wanting to invest in the league.

The Argentine is a well-known figure in the footballing world and his move to the MLS will play a significant role in making the league recognised.

Many brands from Europe will also want to test new waters where they can gain more opportunities and make more money.

3. League popularity

The MLS’s popularity was more than that of the Saudi Arabian League a few years ago. However, the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia has promoted the league and made it more popular than the MLS.

With the signing of Messi to Inter Miami, this will be a big change in the popularity of the MLS which would put them on the map.

Messi’s popularity comes along with his fanbase with many expecting to support him whichever team he decides to play.

4. Attract quality players

Another impact the Argentine will bring to the MLS is attracting several star players to play in the league.

It’s so obvious to see how Ronaldo’s influence has made players in Europe make a move to play in Saudi Arabia.

Messi’s impact brings in quality players around Europe which has already begun, with the likes of Jodi Alba and Sergio Busquets already signed by an MLS team.

5. TV rights investment

TV rights are one major investment that will help the MLS grow in the coming years with the influence of Lionel Messi.

The league is expected to be watched by many fans across the world who still want to see Messi in action.

Messi who will be playing in the MLS for Inter Miami will help bring more coverage to the league as they will look to invest more in showing most of the games played across the world.