Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has changed MLS, with the division now under the spotlight in a way that hasn’t been experienced since David Beckham swapped Real Madrid for the LA Galaxy.
The Argentine international has made the Herons the hottest ticket in town with Messi alone bringing in record-breaking crowds for a number of MLS sides, though the attacker’s fitness record has been an issue this season.
With Inter Miami now the best side in MLS and only ten points away from the breaking the regular season points record, it’s safe to say that Messi’s move to Florida has changed the Herons for the better, with Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba all joining in tow.
Yet it isn’t just Inter Miami signings who Messi is inspiring to make the move to MLS.
Luca Langoni says Messi inspired him to move to MLS
Speaking to Infobae, New England Revolution striker Luca Langoni revealed that Messi’s move to Inter Miami inspired the Argentine attacker to leave South American giants Boca Juniors to make the move to MLS this summer.
With the Revs set to face Inter Miami on the final day of the regular MLS season, Langoni will soon get to face his hero and his inspiration for moving to Massachusetts, and Messi’s influence in the league is already starting to bear fruit for other clubs.
Langoni said when asked if Messi played an impact in his decision to join the Revolution: “The truth is that I was very attracted to him. To play against him, I think it will be a very nice thing.
“I wasn’t having a good time at Boca, I wasn’t having a good time in football and nothing, I felt it was time to take a step in my career. I thought about it a lot, it was difficult, but I’m here now and I’m happy.”
Messi needs to inspire other top players to make the move to MLS
Even an 37-years-old, Messi is still one of the most respected players in world soccer having won the most titles out of anyone in the sport and influencing an entire generation based on his exploits with FC Barcelona and Argentina.
And with the likes of Langoni making the move to MLS in part because of Messi, the former PSG superstar needs to start inspiring others to make the move to America, where the league can become even greater with the Inter Miami captain as a spokesperson.
Indeed, Messi is the greatest to ever play the game and someone that everyone wants to either play against or alongside, and the Argentine using his platform to bring huge names to MLS needs to be something the forward considers if the league is to grow.