The Lionel Messi effect! MLB legend Jose Bautista reveals how meeting Inter Miami star helped kickstart USL ownership dream with Las Vegas Lights FC

Speaking on CBS Soccer's AM show Morning Footy, Bautista revealed how he met the Argentine through a mutual friend - and since then he's been inspired through it all. However, during their introduction, the Argentine's baseball knowledge wasn't quite at the level he'd - laughably - hoped.

On meeting one of the greatest ever, Bautista revealed: "A good friend introduced me to the whole team, I got a chance to travel and understand their business structure and how they operate, which was a huge learning experience. I wasn't even thinking about this stuff way back then, but meeting all the players was just the icing on the cake. He [Messi] didn't know much about baseball, but he was gracious. I didn't get to talk to him too much but he was really kind to me, so I enjoyed meeting him."

The ex-MLB star revealed his ambitions for the club and what his plan is to bring them to the top:

"Instinctively I just want to enhance what's happening. I want to create a deeper connection with the local fans and the local community and cause a positive impact too… but I want to win, right? This team hasn't made it to the playoffs and my plan is to make it more exciting and more fun by winning. And it starts now with a new coach and a new team president that's gonna take care of the business side. Just guide me in that sense, because I'm dangerous enough to know what I don't know. So I know that I need help and my plan is to put a great team of people together that takes this franchise to the next level."

When asked why he chose the USL instead of a higher division like MLS, Bautista said:

"Well, for me as an investor, again, it’s a much more palatable entry point and I think also a better growth opportunity. So on the business side, there's just especially in this market, you know, the sky's the limit, we just gotta play our cards right - Pun intended - and, you know, just just be lucky at the same time. But, you know, if we put a good team and put a good plan and we focus on delivering and the process, not necessarily the results… I think we'll have success in the long run.”

Messi's influence on American soccer has been massive, and Bautista is now just a number of many who have been inspired to pursue the beautiful game as a result of him. In the USL, the MLB legend now has the chance to take the Las Vegas Lights to new heights, including their first-ever playoff appearance.

The Argentine and Inter Miami are in action Friday evening against the El Salvador national team. The Lights, meanwhile, are set to prepare for their 2024 campaign which begins March 9 against Memphis 901 FC.