Lionel Messi and his arrival in Inter Miami had a profound impact on the soccer landscape of the MLS. The world champion brought global attention and bolstered the economic growth of the sport in the United States. Meanwhile, an MLS executive spoke about the ‘respect’ that the Argentine soccer legend had obtained. He also compared La Pulga’s arrival to David Beckham’s signing for LA Galaxy more than a decade ago.

The history of MLS revolutionized after the former Los Blancos icon joined the Los Angeles Galaxy, back in 2007. Nonetheless, the MLS vice president claimed that Messi’s arrival transcended David Beckham’s influence. Which would act as a catalyst for the league’s growth over the next decade.

MLS’ VP suggested that Lionel Messi’s impact is different from David Beckham

Nelson Rodriguez stated that he was ‘proud’ of the World Cup winner for choosing the MLS. Further, he claimed David Beckham’s MLS tenure emulated a greater degree of celebrity persona. That’s because people who didn’t watch soccer also knew the Englishman for his celebrity-like personality off the pitch.

Rodriguez remarked on Ole Sports Summit, “Messi’s arrival is [more] normal. Beckham was a celebrity, people knew him outside of the sports pages while Messi has made his name as a sportsperson, with class and humility. To see all the greats of American sports wanting to watch him play, it shows the respect they have for him all over the world.”

Without a doubt, Lionel Messi’s move to the US has been a successful one. He played a key role in guiding the Herons to their first-ever Leagues Cup title. The Miami-based club is also in the finals of the U.S. Open Cup. The 7x Ballon d’Or winner already netted 11 goals with five assists in eleven games. With their current unbeaten streak, David Beckham and his soccer club will be pushing to finish as high as possible on the points table.

Read More: “There Will Be a Before and After Messi” – David Beckham’s Billionaire Co-owner Unveils Lionel Messi’s Impact on Soccer After MLS Switch

Can Inter Miami seal an MLS playoff spot with Lionel Messi at the helm?

Miami FC clinched their eighth win in the league by defeating Kansas City 3-2, a few days ago. La Pulga wasn’t available for the game as he is currently with the Argentine squad. However, the Miami-based club continued producing positive results in his absence too. This bolstered their odds for MLS playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

Lionel Messi’s side climbed to 14 in the Eastern Conference, still eight points away from the playoff spot. Without a doubt, fans and pundits are now optimistic about Inter Miami’s chances to snatch a playoff spot. The Herons will be facing Atlanta next. With the Argentine soccer legend at the helm, everyone suddenly has a confident feeling about a club that was struggling to win a game not so long ago.

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Do you agree with what Nelson Rodriguez remarked about Lionel Messi and David Beckham? Comment below and let us know.