Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has given his stance on Lionel Messi playing in MLS having joined Inter Miami last year.
The American top-flight has boomed in popularity in recent years in South America, with MLS now viewed as a division for players to move to before making the jump to Europe.
The likes of Miguel Almiron, Jhon Duran and Taty Castellanos have all thrived in MLS and since taken their talents to Europe, with the likes of Thiago Almada expected to follow suit this year.
And speaking to Goal, Scaloni has stated that is happy to pick Argentine players if they’re playing in MLS, with Messi expected to retain a key role for the reigning world champions despite moving to Inter Miami.
The Argentina manager said when asked if playing on MLS is a negative: “MLS has improved a lot and has started to look at young players with great protection and who are very talented.”
Scaloni added: “I think it’s a competitive league that’s to get bigger, so I don’t see it as an impediment to being able to be in the national team.”
Lionel Messi can inspire a new Argentina generation to play in MLS
MLS has a grand history of Argentines playing in the division, with current MVP holder Luchiano Acosta a true testament to such a statement.
And with Messi now at Inter Miami, there’s a good chance that the superstar forward can inspire a new generation of Argentina players to make the move to MLS in their careers.
We’re already seeing such a shift already with Inter Miami reportedly winning the race to sign Argentine youth international Federico Redondo, beating the likes of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in the process.
And with MLS proving to be a good platform for players to sell themselves to Europe, more players could soon make the move to the division, with Messi an extra incentive for prospects.