“MLS Will Destroy USL” – Days Before Lionel Messi’s US Debut, American Soccer Receives Big Reality Check as USL Gears Up for Promotion & Relegation Change

Just weeks ago, Lionel Messi decided on his next soccer club. Unexpectedly, he chose the MLS. Since that day, the club, league, and fans are gearing up for the soccer veteran’s arrival. While the craze around Messi is palpable, an anonymous USL club owner has made an eye-opening statement. He strongly believes that Major League Soccer will destroy the United Soccer League eventually.

Currently known as the second tier of American soccer, the USL fears a drop in rating and reputation. The absence of a promotion–relegation system might end up costing the sport in America heavily.

USL owner claims that the MLS will eventually destroy the USL, why?

For those outside of America, did you know that there was a second division of soccer in America? That’s the United Soccer League (USL). Back in 2017, US Soccer granted the league a Provisional Division II status. While it’s good to have a soccer pyramid in place, America still hasn’t implemented the promotion and relegation system.

This means that a club from the USL will never be able to play in the MLS. Similarly, the worst club in the MLS won’t drop down to the USL. Unlike major soccer-playing nations like the UK, US Soccer hasn’t implemented this system yet. In a recent interview, an unnamed owner from the USL finally addressed the lack of competition.

The USL club owner openly said, “The reality is MLS will destroy USL long-term (on our current trajectory). But if USL successfully adopts pro/rel and can get division one sanctioning (for the top level), it’ll be transformed”. Considering Messi’s arrival in the US, everyone’s prime focus will be on the topmost tier of soccer in America.

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But is the MLS really missing a trick here? Because they’ve done anything and everything to accommodate the Argentine World Cup winner. Let’s dive deeper.

Lionel Messi to the MLS, something that many never imagined!

Lionel Messi has reportedly signed a $55 million contract per season. His contract will be for three years. Previously, Xherdan Shaqiri, Messi has become the highest earner in the MLS by far. In fact, the Argentine soccer legend will also earn commission from Apple (Season Pass) and Adidas too. After retiring from the game, he will also be able to buy a stake in a MLS franchise.

The former FC Barcelona legend will make his debut for Inter Miami in the coming weeks. The Miami-based club is also preparing for a grand opening ceremony for Messi. Famous artist Maximiliano Bagnasco has made a grand mural for the soccer veteran in Wynwood. Just hours ago, the World Cup winner landed in the US to kick off a new beginning.

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Amid all this excitement, do you think that the MLS is missing a trick with the ‘relegation – promotion’ scheme? Will the inclusion of newer soccer clubs be beneficial for the growth of the sport? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.