Messi's American Dream

Lionel Messi came to America with the hope of revolutionizing football. But after nearly two years, what has remained more than the accolades is a surge in followers and huge revenue.

Lionel Messi came to America in a blaze of glory, hailed as the savior of American football.

Lionel Messi arrived in the United States in a blaze of glory, hailed as the savior of American football. But nearly two years later, what remains most are not the goals or the titles, but a huge balance sheet, a skyrocketing viewership, and a league still struggling in its own shadow.

The American Dream and the Harsh Reality

They call it “before Messi” and “after Messi” – an emotional statement from former Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, as if to emphasize the historic role his close friend played in the development of soccer in the United States. But Messi did not come here to revolutionize alone. And he is not a superman.

In MLS, Messi was a beacon in a sea of ​​darkness. He lit up Inter Miami from the very beginning, with a game-winning free kick on his debut, a magical run of goals in the Leagues Cup, and a first title for the club. They called it Hollywood, a miracle. But the miracle lasted only a few short months.

When Messi got injured, things came back to reality. Inter Miami, despite the presence of Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and coach Javier Mascherano, was still a mediocre team. A team that couldn’t even make the MLS playoffs last season. A team that was both star-studded and lacking in identity. And Messi, as good as he was, couldn’t save a dismal team.

Still, from a financial perspective, the Messi deal has been an absolute success. From global jersey sales, Instagram followers growing from 1 million to 17 million, record attendances, to lucrative deals with Adidas, Fanatics, Apple - Messi has turned Inter Miami into a global brand.

Is the Messi effect really sustainable?

The 2022 World Cup winner's contract even includes a clause that would allow him to own shares in the team after he retires - a privilege only granted to David Beckham. Messi is not just a player, but an investor, an ambassador, a "living monument" that helps MLS open up to the international market.

However, the question is: Is the Messi effect really sustainable? Or is it just a short-term "explosion", a flashy moment that quickly fades away?

Club World Cup - the final test?

FIFA took full advantage of the “Messi effect” by circumventing the rules to get Inter Miami into the 2025 Club World Cup, even though the team did not win the MLS. Simply because they have Messi. They want Messi to “open the field” for the expanded tournament with 32 teams - a new product of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

But the harsh reality is showing. The opening match against Al-Ahly did not sell out. The excitement is fading. In contrast, the Real Madrid - Al Hilal match with the participation of Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold is selling well - even without Messi.

The question is: Is Messi strong enough to carry Inter Miami once again? Can he continue writing the fairy tale in an environment rich in physical strength but lacking in quality? And most importantly, is Messi willing to stay - to commit long-term to a project that has yet to find a clear direction?

Messi is expected to help MLS grow.

Messi in America is a paradox: on the pitch, he has won two of a possible seven trophies - not bad but not impressive. He is still excellent, but alone. And when the goals are no longer consistent, people start to scrutinize. They want more - from a World Cup winner, a GOAT.

Off the pitch, Messi is a global sensation. But will that be enough to upgrade MLS? Or will his departure see the whole thing fall apart like a sandcastle? Will discussions about fixtures, spending limits, and promotion and relegation go anywhere?

David Beckham helped revive MLS. Messi is expected to help the league grow. But for now, his results are unclear. There's no denying Messi's impact, but it's too early to call it a revolution.

Messi remains “the man everyone wants to watch,” Agüero says. But if the Club World Cup fails, if Inter Miami fail to win a major trophy, and if Messi fails to renew his contract, his legacy in the United States could be a fleeting flash of glory, not a milestone.

FIFA, Apple, Adidas, MLS - they all need Messi. But does Messi need them? The answer will come very soon, and it could be the final chapter in Lionel Messi's American dream.

Source: https://znews.vn/giac-mo-my-cua-messi-post1560982.html