There are questions asked about the move of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. Questions about how he could play a couple more seasons in the top leagues of Europe are always in the conversation. Considering he just won the World Cup now, the soccer star still plays at the highest level. So, the move to MLS is confusing for the soccer fraternity.

But only the player knows his body, and at 35, Messi looks to settle down in Miami. However, he has the energy left in his tank to play at a high level. Despite all the confusion about Messi moving to a lower league, charismatic American sports analyst Stephen A. Smith pointed out the glaring differences. 

The leagues in Europe are challenging and demanding. However, the MLS is growing into becoming a challenging league. Top players are arriving in the league in their prime, and it looks incredible to see the MLS attract the likes of Messi. 

Stephen A. Smith gives an interesting take on MLS and European leagues

The legendary analyst explained the differences between the MLS and Europe’s top leagues like the Premier League and Spanish League. Smith stated, “Listen, we don’t want to disrespect anything in the USA and we try to big up our country as much as we possibly can, but this is a virtual G-League compared to all those leagues in Europe. We got to understand. We gotta respect that. So think about the star he was over in Europe.” In Europe, he dominated the game and won several trophies. 

Thus, entering the MLS will be a cakewalk for the soccer legend. Smith continued, “And think about him coming here to a virtual G-League compared to the competition he’s accustomed to facing. Can you imagine what he’s going to do, the kind of show he’s going to put on? How sensational this man is? It’s a very big deal. A very big deal.”

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The deal set the world on fire as Inter Miami’s followers jumped from 1 million to around 7.2 million followers. That’s the Messi effect. 

Lionel Messi is the talk of the town in the USA

The merchandising impact, revenue generation, and the quality of playing style will improve upon the arrival of Messi. It will attract top players to join the league. When fascinating players join MLS, the competition grows and will help the competition to be competitive. After Messi’s arrival, the chances of Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets arriving at the club look likely. 

The Messi effect is taking over the country. They will hold the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA. Therefore, they probably would target that competition and hope to improve their players. Do you think Messi can make the MLS competitive?

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