‘More than just one player’ – MLS not purely the Lionel Messi show as Charlotte FC boss Dean Smith talks up ‘massive interest’ in American game away from Inter Miami

Argentine icon Messi captured the imagination of an American audience when completing a stunning switch to Inter Miami in 2023. Every game that he graces sells out within minutes, with fans prepared to part with huge sums in order to land tickets for the biggest show in the United States.

Messi has made an immediate impact on and off the field, and is preparing to chase down more major honours in 2024. New Charlotte FC boss Smith has, however, told FourFourTwo of how MLS is building around the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner: “Yeah [I'm looking forward to playing Messi], the name’s synonymous with the sport in general, and he’s certainly helped to build a massive interest in MLS. But it’s growing more than just because of the impact of one player. It’s a young league, a growing league, so having the world’s best player here can only enhance it. I’m really looking forward to pitting my wits against a side with Messi in it.”

The former Aston Villa and Leicester manager added: “I’ve had to work hard to get where I am now. To coach in the Premier League was huge for me – I remember coaching under-14 teams while my daughter did her homework on the side of the pitch, so to now be pitting my wits against the world’s best is testament to what hard work can get you.”

FC Charlotte will be facing Inter Miami on at least two occasions in 2024, with the first of those fixtures taking place on July 23. Messi should be up to full speed by then, injury permitting, with the new MLS season due to get underway on February 21.