NBA & NFL watch out! Lionel Messi set ‘second biggest sport’ challenge in MLS as Luis Suarez discusses impact of legendary Inter Miami team-mate in the United States

At present, soccer is considered to sit fifth on that depth chart behind American football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey. The NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL are, however, being advised to watch their back as Messi and Co are coming.

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The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner moved to the United States in the summer of 2023. He immediately inspired Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup triumph, while claiming Supporters’ Shield and MVP honours last season.

Messi is back for more in 2025, while retaining a 12-month extension option in his contract, and remains the biggest draw in soccer circles to fans across America. He is looking to leave a lasting legacy, with the most ambitious of targets being set.

Messi’s Miami colleague Suarez, who he previously worked alongside at Barcelona, has told FIFA’s official website of what can be achieved: “I’d point to the influence that he and other players have had in terms of the youth set-up at Inter Miami and how the academy has grown in recent times. That sets expectation levels for the future with regard to the growth of the game, which isn’t the number-one sport over here.

“The message that we’re putting out there is a special one and is part of the efforts to see football become at least the second biggest sport in the country - because what with the NBA and the NFL, the competition is fierce – within a few years.”

Messi continues to attract supporters and commercial partners to MLS, but questions do have to be asked of what happens when he moves on? The hope is that enough foundations will have been put in place by then on which to build a sporting brand that stands the test of time.