Philadelphia Union star Alejandro Bedoya has claimed that players in the MLS would debate over who would join Inter Miami first out of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Messi vs Ronaldo debate has taken many forms in fierce battles between the players, clubs and fans over the years, and it has now been revealed that there was indirect competition between the two over who would become the star player for David Beckham’s MLS franchise.
Speaking to Front Office Sports, Bedoya revealed that there was always a feeling that one of the two superstars would move to Miami, in what is the biggest transfer in MLS history.
“The rumblings as a player in the league were always that Miami was either going to get Ronaldo or Messi. Which was going to come first?” Bedoya stated.
“It speaks volumes to how far MLS has come that even though Messi was offered substantially more money in the Saudi league or perhaps other leagues as well, that he decided to come to MLS.
“I think that’s indicative of the state of our league, and what the ownership groups and [commissioner] Don Garber and us players have been able to build.
“You have the best player in the world playing for Inter Miami — not just one of the best. As a player, I think it’s amazing.”
Messi’s off-pitch impact
The Argentine superstar has already made an impression on the pitch, with three goals in his first two Miami appearances, and off the pitch his impact across the country is already being seen.
Ticket prices to games he will appear in are soaring, and interest in the MLS as a whole is increasing.
Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have also followed Messi to Miami, and this could begin a new wave of household names choosing Miami as their next soccer destination.