'He has changed everything' - Inter Miami chief hails Lionel Messi's impact on MLS as he compares eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to NBA legend Michael Jordan

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi moved to the United States in 2023 when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. The Barcelona legend became a free agent and was lured to Florida by David Beckham and Inter Miami’s ownership team.

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The Argentine icon has been a revelation in the States, on and off the pitch, with his presence – while remaining fiercely competitive in pursuit of major honours – helping to raise the profile of MLS. Every game that he graces sparks a scramble for tickets, with plenty of A-list guests eager to watch him in action.

Inter Miami co-president Xavier Asensi has told those at "The future of clubs in the new world of football' debate held at the College of Economists of Catalonia of why Messi can be likened to NBA great Jordan: “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.”

Asensi added on how the Herons set about putting a deal in place for the all-time great: “When Messi goes to Paris, a machine is turned on in my head and that of the owner to ensure that, when these two years of control are over, the United States will be the next destination.

“If we did the same thing or tried to compete head-to-head with other clubs, it would be impossible to win, because someone with more money or history than us, who had been around for three years, would come along. I went to the League and explained to them with data and tried to sell that if Messi came, it would change their lives. I went to Adidas, Fanatics and Apple.”

Asensi is proud that Inter Miami have “fulfilled what was promised”, while their initial forecast has been “multiplied by quite a bit” as Messi helped to deliver a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival and now has the Herons chasing down MLS Cup glory after already claiming the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.