Former Milan and Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic discussed Lionel Messi’s influence on American soccer after Messi joined Inter Miami. He described how Messi’s arrival shifted attention back to the MLS and sparked renewed enthusiasm among fans who had been watching the league less closely. The remarks reflect a belief that Messi’s presence has the power to re-engage a broad audience and remind people that top-tier football has a major place in the United States.
Ibrahimovic emphasized that, after his own departure from the United States, there was a noticeable dip in interest in the sport, and he expressed happiness that Messi is now playing in MLS. He suggested that Messi’s involvement helps keep American fans connected to the game, inspires younger players, and encourages more people to attend games or follow matches on television and streaming platforms. The sentiment highlights how a marquee star can alter the narrative around a league and its growth trajectory.
Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 after his time with Paris Saint-Germain. He debuted for the club by scoring from a free kick in the opening leg of an early clash, a striking moment that signaled a new era for Inter Miami and for MLS audiences who crave moments of brilliance from world-class talent. The early spark set expectations high and showcased the immediate impact a global icon can have on a team’s attacking dynamic and confidence on the field.
Across 13 league matches for Inter Miami, Messi produced 11 goals and 5 assists, underscoring his prolific scoring rate and his innate ability to create opportunities for teammates. His presence transformed the team’s offensive approach, with defenses needing to respect his precision, vision, and ability to influence play in tight spaces. The statistical output during this period reflected not just individual brilliance but also a broader uplift in the club’s offensive production and fan engagement.
On August 20, Messi earned his first trophy in North America as Inter Miami clinched the League Cup by defeating Nashville in a final decided by a penalty shootout, 10-9. The dramatic victory provided a tangible milestone for the club and its supporters, reinforcing the idea that MLS can host high-stakes matches with the atmosphere and drama typically associated with European competitions. The triumph added a new chapter to Messi’s legacy in the United States and elevated the profile of the league as a whole.
Messi later missed several of Inter Miami’s last fixtures due to injury, a setback that affected the team during the closing stretch of the campaign and altered their playoff prospects. His absence underscored the reliance on top talent in MLS and the impact that even a momentary suspension of a star can have on squad dynamics, depth, and momentum. The setback also provided opportunities for other players to step forward and contribute to the club’s results in the absence of their talisman.
There were reports circulating at the time noting that Ronaldo’s earnings were projected to surpass Messi’s income by nearly twofold in 2023, a reflection of the competitive market for elite footballers in North America and the ongoing negotiation landscape surrounding player salaries. The contrast in earnings highlighted how MLS has become a destination for renowned stars whose marketability extends beyond on-field performance, influencing sponsorship, media attention, and the broader commercial ecosystem surrounding the league.