Luis Suárez believes Lionel Messi’s impact in Major League Soccer (MLS) has been so monumental that the sport could soon challenge for the No. 2 spot in America’s sporting landscape.
The Growing Influence of Messi in the U.S.
Since Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, the league has witnessed a surge in global viewership, commercial partnerships, and fan engagement. The Argentine legend led Inter Miami to their first-ever Leagues Cup title, won the MVP award, and boosted MLS’s profile internationally.
Suárez’s Bold Prediction
Speaking to FIFA’s official website, Suárez emphasized how Messi and other top talents are driving soccer’s rapid growth in the U.S.:
“The message that we’re putting out there is a special one and is part of the efforts to see football become at least the second biggest sport in the country. With the NBA and NFL, the competition is fierce, but within a few years, we believe it can happen.”
Can MLS Sustain Growth Beyond Messi?
While Messi has undeniably boosted MLS, questions remain about the league’s long-term growth once he retires or leaves. The challenge will be to build on the momentum by developing local talent, improving infrastructure, and attracting more global superstars.
🔜 Can soccer truly surpass baseball, ice hockey, and even basketball in the U.S.? Messi has started the revolution, but the journey is far from over. ⚽🔥
