Lionel Messi is without question the greatest soccer player of all time, with Inter Miami’s move to bring the forward to MLS changing the sport forever in the United States.
With the most titles out of anyone in soccer with Messi an inspiration to millions across the planet, few athletes in the history of modern sports can lay a claim to being as successful or as famous as the Inter Miami star.
Indeed, Cristiano Ronaldo could be the only viable candidate given the Portuguese international’s huge appeal and his long-standing rivalry with Messi during their time together at Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
Yet Inter Miami co-president Xavier Asensi thinks Michael Jordan is the only comparable athlete to Messi.
Messi compared to basketball great Jordan after huge MLS impact
Speaking at the College of Economists of Catalonia during a debate based on ‘The future of clubs in the new world of football’, the Inter Miami official likened Messi to the basketball great Jordan, with Asensi saying history will look back on MLS as a before and after the Argentine joined.
Asensi said on the Inter Miami captain: “For MLS there is a before and after Messi. He has changed everything. People can be from any team, but they go to the field to see Messi. He is the only example comparable to Jordan.”
Indeed, this isn’t the first time the 37-year-old has been likened to the US sporting legend, with FC Dallas president Dan Hunt comparing Messi to Jordan earlier this year in terms of how inspiring the Inter Miami star can be to the next generation.
And given the immense growth MLS and soccer as a whole has enjoyed this year in America, there’s no denying that Messi has had a Jordan-like effect on the sport, with more still to come from the Argentine.
Messi can continue soccer’s growth in America by tenfold
Soccer is in an exciting position in the United States with Messi now plying his trade in Florida with the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA World Cup all set to take place in America in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
And for Messi, the Inter Miami star can help push the growth of the sport tenfold if he uses his influence to help MLS grow as a league and to help other franchises recruit their own superstar players.
MLS has the potential to become one of the best leagues in the world, and with Messi’s help, that can become a reality in the years to come.