Lionel Messi, ready for MLS liftoff, is a rocket
The upcoming transfer of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi to Inter Miami is expected to be the largest deal in the league's history and will significantly advance its efforts to become well-known in the United States.
One of the all-time greats of the game hasn't played in the United States since Brazilian superstar Pele signed with the New York Cosmos in 1975, and his visit is expected to spark an incredible amount of anticipation.
In the years leading up to the 2026 World Cup, which the US, Mexico, and Canada will host, it is believed that Messi, whose nation won the World Cup in December, will significantly increase interest in the league and the sport.
Messi's matches in the pink shirt of Inter Miami will be televised live around the world, unlike Pele's time in the previous North American Soccer League (NASAL), when they were only available to stadium patrons and occasionally on live television.
With an estimated $2.5 billion 10-year contract, Messi's fans will be able to subscribe and watch him play in 107 different countries.
'Pele changed the sport in North America by introducing people to what football is,' former US international Taylor, who is currently the senior MLS analyst for Apple TV, said to AFP.
The 35-year-old, seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's entrance will hopefully bring in the kind of money that the 27-year-old league has so far been unable to attract.
Despite the fact that MLS has 29 clubs and that the next new team in San Diego cost investors $500 million, it still doesn't attract the same levels of attention as the NFL and NBA.
Apple TV, together with MLS sponsors Adidas, are alleged to have played a crucial role in putting together the record deal, which is set to see Messi become the highest-earning player in the history of the game in the United States.
Beckham remains a co-owner of Inter, who are now bottom of the Eastern Conference and have just ousted manager Phil Neville.
The club's majority owner, Jorge Mas, will be fully aware that Messi's local impact will change his club from a sideshow to a headline act in South Florida.
Mas and Beckham have spent five years attempting to make their fantasy of Messi playing in Florida come true.
When Beckham first announced that his new team had received approval in 2018, Messi congratulated the Englishman in a social media video.
The former Barcelona star stated, 'I wanted to wish you all the best in this new project, this new job for you'.
Mas expressed optimism that Messi would wear an Inter Miami jersey because he believed it would complete the legacy of the best player of our generation.
Prior to agreeing to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Messi is believed to have spoken with Mas.
Whatever was said during those conversations didn't stop Mas and Beckham from pursuing Messi.
Mas spoke with Messi's advisors while at the World Cup in Qatar, where he was scheduled to win the championship and score twice.
Beckham and Messi were pictured together in April at PSG's practice facility, sparking new speculation.
When club and MLS officials were questioned, they steadfastly refused to deny their interest in Messi, ensuring that rumors persisted and the aspirations of the fans persisted.
However, Messi remained silent the entire time.
On Wednesday, he put an end to the silence and the rumors and began what might be the last chapter of his career, but might also mark the beginning of a new era for Major League Soccer.
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