Lionel Messi is out of the Major League Soccer race. MLS, however, has largely been dependent on the Argentine to fill stadiums. Critics and pundits are already discussing what will be the league’s next step after Messi’s run comes to an end. Now, a former league icon has shared his take on the strategy that has been deployed by MLS and why it’s not going to work in the long run.

Both, the league and Miami, are reaping the benefits of bringing the World Champion to America, be it the case of price-gouging or nominating him for the year-end awards. Nevertheless, for the league to reach European standards, much work has to be done.

MLS’s strategy deemed to fail in the long run

The current strategy of utilizing player names for revenue generation needs to be re-checked. Strategies as such should be a part of the plan, not the core. Discussing the same, ESPN pundit and MLS legend, Alejandro Moreno shares his take on Lionel Messi’s impact on the American soccer league and Inter Miami.

The former MLS icon shares his take, pointing out the core problem with American soccer fans, as he makes a bold statement,  “How do we sell a league in which people are more interested in the circus coming to town and what happens when the circus leaves town. I don’t think it’s an easy answer. People are married to the idea of Lionel Messi, they’re not married to the idea of Inter Miami.”

Moreno shares the shortcomings that the league is facing as he explains, “Chicago Fire they packed Soldier Field. Lionel Messi wasn’t even there I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that they wouldn’t be filling Soldier Field if they knew Messi wasn’t going to be in attendance.”

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Moreno shares further why matches have turned into an experience for supporters and league players alike. From Inter Miami’s price-gouging tactics to MLS’s dependency on the Argentine star, nothing is being done that favors the league.

Moreno cries for a change as he laments enjoying the Lionel Messi vibe

Witnessing Messi’s skills is a one-time opportunity for most. And so, fans are hoarding to the stadiums to watch him. Even some players playing against him have the same mentality going into games.

The former Columbus Crew forward talks about the videos that have surfaced where fans are seen leaving the stadium as soon as Messi is taken off the pitch. Moreno ends by stating that Major League Soccer cannot be built on the back of one player. Meanwhile, Inter Miami has reaped a lot of benefits from acquiring the soccer star. So much so that they didn’t even cut their prices in the absence of Messi.

MLS nomination of Messi for the Landon Donovan MVP award is also facing scrutiny citing the Argentine has only played 247 minutes in the domestic league scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists. While Lionel Messi’s presence in American soccer has undeniably brought excitement and increased attention to the league, it’s important to remember the league’s growth and future success depend on a broader strategy for development.

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