The MLS is quickly becoming one of the most attractive leagues in the world. The transfer of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami in a stunning deal shocked the world. Therefore, soccer fans couldn’t believe what happened, and the league got a sensational player. However, one thing that’s common with the teams in MLS is the playing surface. Most of the leagues in the world have natural grass and not turfs. But, it is the opposite in the MLS. Artificial turfs are available but not preferred by the world’s best soccer players. 

Legends like Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic also expressed their concerns about playing on artificial turfs, according to former USMNT player Herculez Gomez. He explained the various turf issues and how world-class players did not want to play on them. 

USMNT legend wants natural turfs to replace artificial turfs 

According to Men in Blazers, he stated, “Don Garber. He says that teams will look to install temporary grass surfaces on top of turf. Players hate turf. Messi? He’s not going to want to play on turf. We’ve seen it before. The big-time player Thierry Henry. Mysteriously didn’t play on turf in Major League Soccer. Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Mysteriously when it came to turf, ‘I am not going to play. I’m not feeling well. The Hammies acting up.'” It became a cause of concern because most players succumb to injuries when playing on turfs. 

In a comparative study by the National Library of Medicine, the study reported how the teams created artificial turfs due to low maintenance costs. Most teams approach this method to decrease the running cost of the club. However, the injury comparison between the two is eye-opening. During their research, they observed 1.54 injuries per game on artificial turf and a decrease of 1.49 injuries per game on natural grass. They found players having ankle injuries, Achilles injuries, and ankle fractures to be increasingly more on artificial turfs. 

So, Gomez continued, “Change the turf fields. Grass. I don’t care if it’s a football stadium. Invest in your club. Invest in your product. A better product makes for a better league.” Player safety would be crucial, and having natural grass would help them. In fact, Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a similar point when he stated he would only play on turf if it were a “life or death” situation. He felt the risk of injuries on turf was higher.

READ MORE- Inter Miami’s 2023 Salary List After Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba’s Arrival

However, Messi has so far not let this affect him and has started life Stateside in a scintillating fashion.

Lionel Messi sets the league on fire

It can unlock the potential of the players who can reduce injuries and create golden moments on the pitch; just like Lionel Messi did on his debut. The player stepped up at the last minute of the game to send in a sensational free kick to the top corner. Fans went berserk and reduced people to tears with the brilliance of the Argentinian. 

Therefore, keeping him fit would be vital for the league and the development of MLS. Making the league’s standards would be crucial to help the USA attract more players. Should they change artificial turfs to natural grass?

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