'The league is coming alive' - Lionel Messi credited for helping MLS overcome 'biggest challenge' after Inter Miami transfer as Jesse Marsch insists 'level of play' was never an issue

Messi has had a huge impact in MLS, both on and off the field, since moving to Inter Miami in the summer on a free transfer after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine helped deliver a first piece of silverware for his new side in the shape of the Leagues Cup, while his decision to move to the United States has seen interest in MLS and Inter Miami surge. Former New York Red Bulls and Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch thinks Messi's arrival has made the football world realise that the game in the United States is now "coming alive".

He told the Daily Mail when quizzed on Messi's impact: "The biggest challenge for MLS is not is not the fans, is not the investment. It's not the level of play. It's geographic in many ways - (it's) a big world apart from where we are here in Europe. (But) I think that people and players and coaches and everyone in football is realizing that that the league is coming alive."

The presence of Messi in MLS has also seen a host of celebrities turn out to see the superstar in action. Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt at the club has also been named as one of 2023's top fashion items by Vogue, while tickets to see the World Cup winner have been in huge demand and have meant prices have soared.

It's currently the off-season for MLS and Messi, but the Argentine international has been spotted at the gym keeping in shape ahead of the new campaign. Messi and Miami are due to return to action in early 2024, with a number of pre-season friendlies already announced. The Argentina captain will take on boyhood side Newell's Old Boys as well as a clash with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.