Messi's historic contribution to transforming MLS after 3 decades
America has not yet woken up from the dream of having Lionel Messi to become the top star of MLS, the tournament has turned to a revolution since the 36-year-old Argentine striker appeared in the Inter Miami shirt.
The Washington Post published an opinion column of Mexican journalist Leon Krauze, in which he made arguments to promote Messi over any star joining American football. The article was titled: "Lionel Messi is bringing something historic to pro football."
The article noted, when La Pulga arrived in Miami, the city was "crazy about football" and that "he embraced it with enthusiasm" at a great time in his career, just a few months after joining Argentina. won the World Cup. His landing completely changed "a group of players who, until very recently, struggled to assemble as a team".
“At the age of 36, Messi could have approached his contract with Inter Miami as a comfortable early retirement. After 43 titles, what does he have left to do? As it turns out, he plays a ferocious and competitive lion for a burgeoning American franchise. Messi's level of effort is atypical," Krauze wrote.
Journalist Krauze highlights this attitude compared to other players who have come to MLS at the end of their careers: "Most older stars see MLS as a lucrative final destination, with England midfielder Steven Stevens. Gerrard and Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo are two of the most obvious examples. Messi has been doing the opposite."
Since arriving at Inter Miami, Messi's performances have shown why America is crazy about the former Barcelona and PSG player. He has scored 7 goals and 1 assist in 4 games. But equally important is La Pulga showing that he is willing to be an exemplary leader for his colleagues.
“He played almost every minute of the first four games. Instead of letting someone else do the heavy lifting, Messi ran, pressed, and tried to get the ball over and over again. He also pushed his opponents and argued with the referee, making the match against Orlando City as important as it was for an important Barcelona game," Krauze compared.
In the opinion of Krauze in The Washington Post, Messi's performance helps "show that American football is ready for the next leap" and that after years of gradual development, the American league is began to have an impact, something they've been pursuing a lot since their inception.
“He is giving MLS the importance and status that the league has strived for since its inception three decades ago. With Messi at his best, injecting energy and emotion into the game, anything can happen," he concluded.
