MLS clubs are prepared to shoulder portions of Lionel Messi’s salary should the Argentine star move to one of the league’s teams. Reports circulating in the press have suggested that MLS leaders are exploring a collaborative approach, hoping to persuade Messi to become part of the American soccer landscape. The strategy centers on boosting television rights value and heightening global interest in the league as a whole.
Club executives across North America believe a united front can tilt the scales in Messi’s favor, with the goal of delivering a compelling package that aligns with his ambitions and the league’s growth trajectory. The idea is that Messi’s arrival in the United States could serve as a catalyst for higher media interest, greater sponsorship activity, and a broader fan base for MLS teams across the continent.
MLS communications indicate that a formal presentation outlining the preferred destination for Messi will be shared with the player himself, as part of the decision-making process. The framework of this approach emphasizes transparency and the potential for a long-term, high-impact collaboration that could redefine the league’s international footprint.
Inter Miami is widely cited as a leading contender in this hypothetical scenario. The club and its supporters are positioned to present a competitive offer, with the United States viewed as a strategic hub ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted partially by the country. Messi’s potential move could amplify interest in the tournament and help elevate the U.S. portion of the event on the global stage.
Messi’s career beyond Barcelona took a new turn when he joined Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021, marking a significant chapter after spending 18 years with the Catalan club. During that era, he captained a period of Spanish dominance, securing multiple league titles and achieving Champions League success—an illustrious record that continues to influence transfer conversations and market value in European and North American football circles.
In the current French domestic campaign, Messi has accumulated 13 goals and 13 assists across 23 league appearances, contributing consistently to PSG’s offensive output and continuing to shape perceptions of his form and availability. Observers note that his performance metrics remain a central factor in evaluating potential moves, sponsorship implications, and the overall appeal to MLS audiences.
As discussions about Messi’s future unfold, questions persist about Barcelona’s willingness to re-enter the conversation and whether the club might extend an inviting offer should circumstances align. The evolving scenario underscores the broader trend of marquee players influencing league development and cross-continental interest in football across North America.
Analysts point to the 2026 World Cup as a pivotal backdrop to any hypothetical transfer, with the potential to shift negotiation dynamics and media attention. The prospect of Messi contributing to MLS success while the tournament is hosted in the United States could have lasting effects on viewing figures, sponsorship revenue, and the global profile of the league. This context is essential for understanding how such a move might be perceived by fans, broadcasters, and commercial partners worldwide.
Ultimately, any decision rests with Messi and his representation, as well as the strategies of MLS clubs and their owners. The dialogue around a possible transition highlights the league’s ambition to attract leading talents and to leverage international figures to accelerate growth, brand recognition, and competitive balance across the North American soccer market.
Given the high stakes involved, observers will follow every development with interest, noting how the narrative evolves—from speculative talks to concrete steps that could reshape MLS’s trajectory in the coming seasons, while also considering the broader implications for European clubs, sponsorship ecosystems, and the ongoing global fan engagement with the beautiful game. (sources: Reuters, Associated Press, local sanctions permitting financial disclosures)