
MLS hopes Messi will boost attendance, TV viewers and market share
Associated PressNEW YORK — After two decades competing against Real Madrid, Manchester United and Brazil, Lionel Messi will be going against the NFL, Major League Baseball and the NBA. “Lionel Messi coming to MLS is an event that can’t be replicated in any other way,” former U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said. “You’ve got one of the best players of all time, if not the best player of all time, coming on the heels of a World Cup win and worldwide popularity joining an American soccer league. ”Messi is coming to a country which has millions of soccer players, where its national team draws packed crowds, its women’s national team draws packed crowds, its professional teams are at all kinds of levels — there are minor league teams tucked into villages and goodness where across the country, and kids playing soccer everywhere every day.” The NASL folded after the 1984 season and was replaced in 1996 by MLS, launched two years after the U.S. hosted the World Cup for the first time. “When you think about stadiums, infrastructure and soccer-specific stadiums, the training grounds, all of that makes it a great league,” said Gregg Berhalter, the U.S. coach at last year’s World Cup.
History of this topic

Lionel Messi reveals he had ‘hard time adapting’ to life at Paris St Germain
The Independent
Lionel Messi angers Mexican ex-footballer, fans after controversial gesture during Inter Miami pre-season game
Firstpost
Lionel Messi planning a Barcelona reunion by signing a new contract with Inter Miami: Report
Hindustan Times
Lionel Messi in for a busy pre-season with Inter Miami announcing five-match tour across four countries
Firstpost
Messi named MLS Most Valuable Player after record-setting season with Inter Miami
The Hindu
Lionel Messi wins MLS MVP award, the latest trophy on a long list of honors for the Inter Miami star
Associated Press
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami given Club World Cup 2025 spot by FIFA
India Today
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami stars learn you can't buy an MLS Cup
LA Times
MLS playoffs without Lionel Messi and Inter Miami could be a welcome reality check
New York Times
Don't know how limited Lionel Messi's time is in MLS: Inter Miami boss Martino
India Today
Messi's Magic: MLS Surges on the Back of the Argentine Maestro
The Hindu
Messi Mania Fuels MLS's Explosive Growth
Associated Press
Messi and Inter Miami are on the brink of the MLS Supporters’ Shield. But they want more
Associated Press
Lionel Messi in the U.S., a legend knowing ‘there’s not a lot of time left’
New York Times
‘The Lionel Messi Experience’ is an interactive showcase of all things Messi
LA Times
Messi, Suarez and Busquets to miss Inter Miami’s MLS game against Whitecaps
Associated Press
Jason Kelce claims Lionel Messi playing for Argentina is 'different' than in MLS with Inter Miami after he dazzled at the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium... but brother Travis insists 'it's all about the Pr
Daily Mail
Inter Miami Vs Orlando City Lionel Messi s Freekick Hits A Baby In The Stands Video Goes VIRAL WATCH
ABP News
Is Lionel Messi tired ALREADY? Inter Miami coach Tata Martino says star man has used 'too much energy' in first two MLS games - after preparing for the new season with nightmare tour of Asia
Daily Mail
Commentary: MLS can’t afford to fumble its Messi moment and must make bold changes now
LA Times
MLS: Lionel Messi scores late as Inter Miami salvages 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy
The Hindu
Lionel Messi scores in injury time, and Inter Miami salvages a 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy
Associated Press
How David Beckham set the MLS foundation for Lionel Messi. ‘The Messi effect is dramatic’
LA Times
'I was shocked': Lionel Messi effect sends Apple boss into meltdown, urges MLS teams to follow similar strategy
Hindustan Times
Lionel Messi's Argentina set to play in USA on next international break - after China CANCELLED proposed tour amid backlash over Inter Miami star sitting out their friendly in Hong Kong
Daily Mail
All you need to know about Major League Soccer 2024 and its Messi mania
Al Jazeera
Major League Soccer kicks off with all eyes on Lionel Messi & Co. at Inter Miami
Associated Press
Inter Miami expects trophies from Messi’s first full season in MLS
The Hindu
Lionel Messi wasn't seen at MLS media day. Doesn't matter, since everyone talked about him
The Independent
MLS commissioner says 2023 was undeniably the Year of Messi but season also had other high points
Associated Press
MLS won’t add a fourth designated player post-Messi: Don Garber
New York Times
Lionel Messi Admits His Attraction to Join 'Very Powerful' Saudi Pro League
News 18
Lionel Messi Named Time's 'Athlete of the Year'
News 18
Lionel Messi and David Beckham have full-circle moment as MLS' first-ever designated player presents Inter Miami star with Ballon d'Or
Daily Mail
Lionel Messi is a finalist for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award
The Independent
MLS: Messi could return as Miami hopes to boost playoff chances
The Hindu
Messi Mania has grabbed hold in Major League Soccer, but will it be a long-lasting boost?
Associated PressMessi Mania has grabbed hold in Major League Soccer, but will it be a long-lasting boost?
The Independent
Messi misses Miami’s Atlanta trip due to fatigue - reports
The Hindu
USMNT star Christian Pulisic insists Lionel Messi's performances with Inter Miami 'absolutely helps' promote MLS worldwide
Daily Mail
Christian Pulisic says Lionel Messi’s MLS success is ‘only a positive thing for this country’
New York Times
Lionel Messi in LA was a true Hollywood occasion
New York Times
Lionel Messi among 3 MLS players on Argentina roster for September World Cup qualifiers
New York Times
Lionel Messi makes MLS debut: How does the league work?
Al Jazeera
Messi is bedazzling US soccer and it is a pure joy to watch
New York Times
From Parisian hate to Miami love — Messi finds himself at home
The Hindu
'Departure to Paris Not Something I Wanted': Lionel Messi Admits He Wanted to Stay at Barcelona
News 18
Is Messi bringing more European stars to the MLS?
LA Times
Messi speaks publicly for 1st time since joining Inter Miami and says he’s happy with his choice
Associated Press
'Messi effect is real': World Cup winner's arrival results in doubling of MLS Season Pass subscriptions
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