The fact that American soccer missed out on the Portuguese icon makes the pursuit of Argentina’s World Cup winner all the more intriguing.
The world’s most famous athlete came dangerously close to joining MLS. Cristiano Ronaldo, possibly the biggest global celebrity in sports history, was on the verge of moving his career to Sporting KC!
The club was assured that it was truly in the hunt, having made multiple attempts to pitch itself to Ronaldo’s representatives through numerous meetings. Those agents apparently took it all in stride, claiming that if Ronaldo was to join MLS, he would have chosen Kansas City.
It was a transaction that appeared practically unattainable at the time, but it almost worked out in the end.
But, as we all know, nearly doesn’t count for much. Ronaldo eventually chose his mega-money move to Al Nassr, and in doing so, he lifted Saudi Arabian soccer, not MLS, squarely onto his shoulders.
So there you have it. One of soccer’s titans was narrowly avoided. What’s the next one?
The American soccer audience, and particularly Inter Miami, will now turn their attention to Lionel Messi, a player who cemented his place as an icon this winter in Qatar. Following his World Cup victory, Messi has been linked with a move to Miami, if not immediately, then at some point in the future.
But, at this juncture, does MLS require Messi, or does the league’s failure to get Cristiano Ronaldo make a pursuit of the Argentine icon even more important?
There are numerous reasons why MLS might profit from Messi’s arrival, especially considering what we know is on the way.
The league recently announced a significant collaboration with Apple for broadcast rights, which will allow MLS games to be seen in nations all over the world. The inclusion of Messi would make that transaction substantially more lucrative for all parties involved, as well as bring an unbelievable amount of attention to a league that is still figuring out its worldwide identity.
One only needs to look at Al Nassr’s social media boom after signing Ronaldo to understand what a move like this implies in terms of attracting interest from all over the world. Bringing Messi to Miami, in instance, would instantly elevate that club to the ranks of the world’s most watched.
Messi’s stardom, David Beckham’s ownership, and Miami’s culture would make the city a destination for both fans and players.
But a prospective Messi arrival would enhance the sport as a whole, not just MLS. After all, the World Cup is approaching, and it will be here before you know it.
The 2022 World Cup demonstrated how far the United States has progressed both on and off the field. Viewership in Qatar achieved new highs throughout the tournament, and when combined with rising TV ratings for the Premier League, Liga MX, and Champions League, you can see a rising tide for soccer in the United States.
However, when it comes to interest, the local game continues to lag well behind international competitions. Many people believe that the 2026 World Cup will help bridge the gap as supporters across the country fall in love with the sport before falling in love with their local teams.
Bringing in Messi, though, would accelerate that process, providing American soccer a runway until the 2026 tournament, which, depending on who you ask, may be Messi’s final appearance on the world stage.
Is Messi required by MLS and American soccer to build that runway? Is the presence of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner required for the sport’s success in this country? Probably not, but it would sure help.
For Messi, it’s a move that still makes sense, if not now, then later, even after his World Cup victory. It’s believed that he’ll stay at PSG for at least another year, with his performances in Qatar demonstrating that he still has time to play at the highest level. However, this may just postpone a shift to the United States, rather than closing the door entirely.
A transfer to Miami, in particular, would bring Messi closer to home in Argentina. If he decides to help defend his World Cup title, it will make international duty much less demanding. Flights from Miami to South America aren’t too bad, making it easier for qualifiers to return home.
He’d benefit enormously off the field. He’d get a lot of money, if not a stock in the company. He’d become a cultural figure in the United States, much like Pele, whose recent death highlighted his significance to American soccer. And, in some respects, he’d be stepping away from the spotlight in a country that treats its athletes with more delicacy and respect than elsewhere.
He’d find a familiar culture in Miami, where Messi already has a holiday home. According to reports, he already like the area and would welcome the opportunity to reside in a city recognised for combining Caribbean, North and South American cultures.
But, in the end of the day, neither party requires this manoeuvre. If Messi does not join MLS, the league will continue to operate. Teams will sign more youngsters like fellow Argentine World Cup champion Thiago Almada, who could be the next youth to be transferred to an MLS team for millions of dollars.
And what about Messi? He’ll be OK whatever he does. Whether he stays with PSG, returns to Argentina or Barcelona, or embarks on a new adventure in the Middle East like Ronaldo, his legacy is unquestionably guaranteed. If it wasn’t already established, his exploits in Qatar cemented his place in history.
This link, on the other hand, will not take you anywhere. The league’s chase of Ronaldo fell through, with the organisation unable to bring a game titan stateside. However, we learned from that setback that the ambition of signing a player of that calibre is still very much alive. All of the elements are in place, even if they haven’t quite come together to persuade Ronaldo to forego the millions he’ll earn in Saudi Arabia.
Now, the spotlight will shift to his main challenger, a player who could wind up doing what Ronaldo did not: becoming the guy to catapult American soccer to new heights.