Messi's American Dream

Lionel Messi arrived in the US with the expectation of revolutionizing football. But after almost two years, what remains more significant than titles is a surge in followers and enormous revenue.

Lionel Messi arrived in America in a spotlight, hailed as the savior of American soccer.

Lionel Messi arrived in America in a blaze of glory, hailed as the savior of American soccer. But nearly two years later, what remains most is not his spectacular goals or trophies, but rather his enormous financial balance sheet, 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 by former Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero, as if to emphasize the historical role of his close friend in the development of soccer in America. But Messi didn't come to create a revolution alone. And he's not a superhero.

In MLS, Messi was a beacon in a dark sea. He illuminated Inter Miami from the very beginning, with a winning free-kick on his debut, a miraculous run of goals in the League Cup, and the club's first title. People called it Hollywood, a miracle. But that miracle lasted only a few short months.

When Messi got injured, everything returned to reality. Inter Miami, despite having Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and coach Javier Mascherano, was still just an ordinary team. A team that couldn't even make the MLS playoffs last season. A team with many stars but lacking identity. And Messi, though still brilliant, couldn't save a demoralized team.

However, from a financial standpoint, the Messi deal was an absolute success. From globally sold-out jerseys, Instagram followers increasing from 1 million to 17 million, record stadium attendance, to lucrative contracts with Adidas, Fanatics, and Apple – Messi transformed Inter Miami into a global brand.

Will the Messi effect truly be sustainable?

The contract of the 2022 World Cup champion even includes a clause granting him ownership of the team's shares after retirement – ​​a privilege previously only granted to David Beckham. Messi is not just a player, but an investor, an ambassador, a "living legend" helping MLS open up to the international market.

However, the question is: Is the Messi effect truly sustainable? Or is it just a short-lived "explosion," a fleeting moment of glamour that will quickly fade away?

Club World Cup - the ultimate test?

FIFA is taking full advantage of the "Messi effect" by bending the rules to include Inter Miami in the 2025 Club World Cup, even though the team didn't win the MLS. Simply because they have Messi. They want Messi to "inaugurate" the expanded tournament with 32 teams – a new product of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

But the harsh reality is unfolding. The opening match against Al-Ahly didn't sell out. The excitement is fading. Conversely, the Real Madrid - Al Hilal match, featuring Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold, sold out – even without Messi.

The question is: Can Messi carry Inter Miami once again? Can he continue his fairytale story in an environment that is physically strong but lacks quality? And most importantly, is Messi willing to stay – to commit long-term to a project that still lacks a clear direction?

Messi is expected to help MLS mature.

Messi in America is a paradox: on the pitch, he's won 2 out of 7 possible titles – not a bad number, but not impressive either. He still plays brilliantly, but he's alone. And when the goals stop coming regularly, people start scrutinizing him. They want more – from a World Cup champion, a GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

Off the pitch, Messi is a global sensation. But will that be enough to revitalize MLS? Or will everything crumble like a sandcastle when he leaves? Will discussions about the fixture schedule, spending limits, or promotion and relegation ever get anywhere?

David Beckham helped revive MLS. Messi is expected to help the league mature. But currently, his results are unclear. Messi's impact is undeniable, but it's premature to call it a revolution.

Messi is still "the player everyone wants to see" - as Agüero put it. But if the Club World Cup fails, if Inter Miami doesn't win any major titles, and if Messi doesn't renew his contract - his legacy in America might just be a fleeting moment of glory, not a historical milestone.

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

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