When the news of Messi's move to MLS broke, the whole league was ready to welcome the emperor. A football superstar, he moved to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in July last year, signing a huge contract of up to $50 million to $60 million per year. The move not only made MLS Messi a brand ambassador, but also brought a lot of attention to the Miami team's game.
News reports say that Messi was asked about his top priorities in 2024 in an interview with "Star+", and he didn't put a touch of shine on MLS.
"I've said it many times, it's a fact, I'm going to try to compete to the best of my ability, and I know very well when I'm going to be able to compete at that level and when I'm not," he admitted. ”
However, when he called MLS a "low-level league", it was completely inconsistent with the image MLS wanted to convey on its own. While Messi acknowledges that the MLS is relatively low, he doesn't completely deny the league's value.
He emphasised that for a player, how to face and compete is crucial. Even in a low-level league, as long as you maintain a positive attitude and competitiveness, you can achieve excellent results. This view struck a chord with some fans, who saw Messi's assessment as an objective reflection of the current state of the league.
It is reported that Messi's performance at Inter Miami has been up and down. Although the team went unbeaten in 12 consecutive games and won its first trophy, the League Cup, injuries plagued Messi for a while. In the end, the team failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs with a record of 9 wins, 7 draws and 18 losses.
It is worth mentioning that Messi won his record eighth Ballon d'Or this season. He said he would continue to represent Argentina as long as he felt good and could play. His first goal is the 2021 Copa America next summer in Atlanta and Miami. However, he also acknowledged that his age could pose an obstacle to playing in the 2026 World Cup.
Although Messi's "low-level league" rating is a blow to MLS, his competitive spirit and enthusiasm are unquestionable. His arrival has undoubtedly brought Inter Miami a higher reputation and attention, and also set a higher benchmark for professional football. Despite the fact that the level of play may be low, Messi has shown his strength and competitiveness unwaveringly.
Now, MLS needs to take a hard look at itself and raise the level of competition for teams and leagues to attract more world-class stars. Only in this way will MLS be able to achieve its ambitious growth goals and earn respect on a global scale. Let's wait and see if Messi's performances in MLS and international football can drive league progress in the coming years.