Messi’s Impact on MLS

Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, highlighted the profound influence that Lionel Messi has had on the growth of Major League Soccer (MLS) since joining the team in 2023. Mascherano noted that Messi’s presence has significantly shifted global perceptions of the league.

At a post-match press conference following the recent 0-0 tie against the Chicago Fire, Mascherano stated, “In the summer, Messi will have been here for two years, and I think he’s changing how the world sees MLS in one way or another.”

Record Attendance and Local Reactions

Messi’s recent match at Soldier Field set a new attendance record with 62,358 fans in the stands, illustrating his ability to draw crowds. This was particularly significant as it was Messi’s debut appearance at this iconic venue.

Mascherano remarked, “We saw it today, and it’s one of the many examples of everything he generates. The people came to see him, that’s the reality.” It’s not an isolated instance—previous games against Inter Miami have also led to record turnouts for teams like the New England Revolution and Sporting Kansas City.

Future Prospects for MLS

Despite Messi’s contributions, Mascherano emphasized that MLS must continue to leverage this momentum. “Now, MLS has the responsibility to continue advancing,” he asserted, calling for ongoing support to cultivate soccer’s growth in the country. He praised Messi as an “unrepeatable player” whose career has reshaped soccer wherever he plays.

Current Team Performance

The draw with Chicago Fire was a setback for Inter Miami, dropping them to third place in the Eastern Conference. The team is only one point behind the leaders, Charlotte FC, but has played one game less. Mascherano acknowledged that fatigue could be affecting performance due to a congested schedule over the past two months, during which Miami has competed regularly in MLS and is still active in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

He mentioned, “We have to remember that, in our case, we’ve been playing every three or four days for almost two months, and the wear and tear is very high.”

Upcoming Matches

Looking ahead, Inter Miami will clash with the Columbus Crew this Saturday and is preparing for a two-legged semifinal against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Champions Cup starting April 24.