Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has detailed how Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami has changed MLS.
The Argentine superstar signed for the Florida franchise in the summer as Inter Miami pulled off what will go down as the biggest signing in MLS history.
Guiding the Herons to Leagues Cup glory and winning an eighth Ballon d’Or, Messi mania and soccer fever has hit the States in a big way in 2023.
And speaking to the Daily Mail, Marsch has praised how US sports fans are now warming to MLS since Messi’s arrival, with Inter Miami now the hottest ticket in town.
The former New York Red Bulls manager said: “The biggest challenge for MLS is not is not the fans, is not the investment. It’s not the level of play.
“It’s geographic in many ways – (it’s) a big world apart from where we are here in Europe. (But) I think that people and players and coaches and everyone in football is realizing that the league is coming alive.”
Lionel Messi will take Inter Miami and MLS to historic heights in 2024
Despite playing just 13 games for Inter Miami this year, Messi has clearly established Tata Martinio’s side as one of the most exciting clubs in all of soccer.
And with 2024 around the corner, many fans will be expecting big things from the Argentine legend, with MLS Cup and success in the CONCACAF Champions League all on the table.
Indeed, Messi will want to lead Inter Miami to unrivalled success in the new year, and if the forward can stay fit, the Florida franchise can do just that and then some in 2024.