Lionel Messi impact laid bare by MLS chief with subtle Cristiano Ronaldo dig
MLS commissioner Don Garber couldn't help but aim a sly dig at Cristiano Ronaldo when discussing the impact of Lionel Messi ’s arrival at Inter Miami.
For the past 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo have jostled for the title of best footballer alive, and their rivalry has summarised a generation of football. The superstar duo have collectively won numerous league, titles, Champions League crowns and Balon d’Or win, but the Argentine grabbed the advantage after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in December 2022, scoring seven goals in the process.
While delivering his annual State of the League address on Friday, commissioner Garber referred to Messi as football’s greatest player, something Ronaldo and his fans will not be happy to hear. “During what was shaping up to be the most successful in our history, the greatest player to ever play the game made the MLS his league of choice and joined Inter Miami,” Garber said.
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“Lionel Messi had many options for the next chapter of his iconic soccer-playing career. The magnitude of his decision to join MLS cannot be overstated. The World Cup champions and eight-time Balon d'Or winner is playing in our league and we’re now not just part of the part of the global conversation of sports, but one of the biggest stories in the world and certainly one of the biggest stories this summer.
"The eyes of the world are now on Major League Soccer because the best player to ever play the game is here and he’s succeeding. And like all of history’s iconic athletes, Messi delivered in ways that few could have imagined. Only a handful of players will forever be remembered as transforming a sport.” The Argentine opted to move to America in the summer after his contract at French champions PSG expired.
On his debut, Messi announced his arrival in style with a sumptuous free-kick late on to help Miami defeat Cruz Azul. He has since scored 11 goals in 14 games and won the Leagues Cup after beating Nashville in an enthralling penalty shootout - the first trophy in the club's history.
The world has debated for years if Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest football player of all time (Getty Images)Garber gave his speech before Saturday's MLS Cup final between the Columbus Crew and LAFC at Lower.com Field in Colombus. He commented on Apple TV’s first season of broadcasting MLS matches, which exceeded its subscription expectations, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Multiple games drew over 1 million viewers and that is due to Messi’s arrival in the league this season. Following a transformational season, Garber emphasised MLS' future, particularly after the US, Canada and Mexico host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“First, I hope Leo (Messi) decides to stay longer than 2025," Garber said. "So maybe 2025 isn't the deadline, but our plan is being the league we want to be in 2027. This gives us enough time to continue to do the research, speak to our fans, evaluate what the impact is of some of these changes and then be able to move forward in a positive and productive way.”
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