If Lionel Messi ends up in MLS, where is the best fit?
Lionel Messi has reportedly accepted a new deal to stay at Barcelona, one that could keep the Argentine attacker at the famed club till he’s 39-years old. But MLS could still be a final stop for one of the best players in the history of the game.
And it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Lionel Messi make a move to MLS at some point before that, especially if the La Liga side wants to shed salaries further.
But where could Messi end up in MLS? At that point, he’d be in his late 30s and eyeing one more stop before his career closes up. He would probably be the biggest star to come to MLS since David Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007.
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Former United States international and MLS star Alexi Lalas tells FanSided’s ‘MLS Multiplex’ that Lionel Messi to MLS makes some sense. The always thoughtful and intriguing Lalas says that there are three markets that stick out in a couple years time for the Argentina star.
“I think Messi in MLS would certainly resonate domestically and internationally, but in a different way than Beckham,” Lalas said.
“Messi is often a reluctant star and MLS is always looking for stars that can transcend and provide promotion and marketing opportunities that aren’t always available to soccer in the US. I think LA, New York and Miami make the most sense for Messi. MLS is constantly striving for relevance and some of the hardest places to break through and matter are the big markets.
“The competition for entertainment dollars and the expectation of an elite level of entertainment often puts bigger market teams at a disadvantage if they are perceived a selling an inferior product. I think Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are actually more suited to the MLS life. They are huge sexy brands and personalities that would be comfortable being the stars, on and off the field.”
Lionel Messi to MLS (at some point) would be huge
Messi just won Copa America last week with Argentina, a major accomplishment given that the sole criticism of his career has been his performance at the international level where he has disappointed for his country in big moments.
All told Messi has 520 appearances and 474 goals for Barcelona, considered one of the best clubs in the world. In addition, he has 151 appearances for Argentina, scoring 76 times. He has won six Ballons d’Or and six FIFA World Best Player Awards.
One of the places named as a possible landing spot by Lalas, now a commentator with FOX Sports, is Inter Miami. The club is owned in part by Beckham, seen as the most influential and important signing in MLS history.
Beckham’s signing with MLS ushered in a new era for the league and helped bring more international attention and stars to a then still growing league. Beckham also boosted attendance in MLS and television ratings, something Messi likely would bring to the league as well.
Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer