Don Garber, the commissioner of Major League Soccer (MLS), has praised Inter Miami for their acquisition of Lionel Messi, stating that it demonstrates the progress made by the American soccer league. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, joined Inter Miami as a free agent on July 15, 2023. The following day, his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets also signed with the team. On July 20, 2023, another ex-Barcelona star, Jordi Alba, made the move to the Sunshine State. Finally, on January 1, 2024, Messi’s close friend Luis Suarez signed a 12-month deal with Miami. Messi, Alba, Busquets, and Suarez were instrumental in helping Miami win their first-ever silverware, the Leagues Cup, last season. It will be interesting to see if this quartet can lead Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup Playoffs at the end of the 2024 regular season.
During an interview with ESPN, Garber discussed the progress of MLS and emphasized the significance of having a player of Messi’s caliber in the league. He stated, “Having arguably the best player of all time in our league says a lot about where MLS is and how far it has come over the years.” Garber also expressed excitement about Miami’s signings, particularly the addition of Suarez and the reunion of players who have shared the field for many years. He believes that this will bring more energy and attention to the league in its second year. Garber emphasized that while the league has a history of signing big-name international players, they also prioritize the development of young talent, both from the United States and abroad.
Despite missing a significant portion of the 2023 season due to injuries, Messi was still nominated for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Newcomer of the Year Awards. His impact on the field is undeniable, and it is intriguing to consider the possibilities if he can maintain his fitness throughout the entirety of the 2024 season.
According to the Source sportslens.com