New England Revolution midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye has shared how Lionel Messi has managed to change MLS for the better since moving to Inter Miami.
The 37-year-old attacker joined the Herons 12 months ago in what could go down as one of the biggest transfers in the history of soccer, with Messi joining MLS and Inter Miami still as one of the best players in the game.
Winning last year’s Ballon d’Or, Messi hasn’t missed a beat since signing for Inter Miami, where the Argentine has broken numerous records, and set the Herons on the path to winning both MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield.
And rival Kaye has now shared how Messi has changed MLS and soccer as a whole in the United States.
Messi a ‘catalyst’ for change in the United States after Inter Miami move
Speaking to FIFA’s official website, the Canadian international highlighted how MLS has to be grateful for Messi and his decision to join Inter Miami at this stage in his career, with the Herons likely to be the forward’s final club.
Indeed, the impact of Messi joining Inter Miami has already been clear to see, and the potential MLS now has as a league is something that few can grasp, with the Argentine leading the soccer revolution in the United States.
Kaye said: “He’s a global icon and he comes with a lot of eyes, so him coming here has definitely given the league a big boost. People are talking about MLS now more than ever, and it’s not just Messi. He is a catalyst of the change that’s happening in this league, and that change is going to benefit everyone.
“We have to be grateful for his presence and his decision to come here, and also give respect to the MLS and those owners for making an offer that he wanted to take. It just shows you where MLS is going and, as a person who aspires to one day lead a front office, it’s really cool to see.”
Messi can push soccer and MLS even further in the years to come
Messi has done for MLS in the last 12 months than the league has managed organically in the last ten years, with the Argentine’s greatness and status in the world something that few individuals will ever achieve.
And with Messi completely sold on MLS and the Inter Miami project, the future of the league is in as exciting a place as it has been in years, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming up.
Messi has been a real force for change in MLS since making the move to Inter Miami last year, and there’s a good chance that the league can become one of the best in the world if the Argentine continues to use his influence.