Lionel Messi provides candid assessment of MLS referring it as a minor league

Lionel Messi may be the best thing to happen to Major League Soccer after he made a historic switch to Inter Miami this summer. The move has been historic and great for the league, as it has received more revenue and global attention than ever.

Many questioned whether Messi, who just recently won the World Cup and later the Ballon d’Or, made a bad decision to leave Europe so soon. But the Argentine himself explained why in a very blunt statement.

Lionel Messi delivers blunt assessment of MLS

Lionel Messi had an instant impact on Inter Miami, scoring 11 goals in 14 appearances. He helped win them the Leagues Cup, their first ever trophy, while also leading them to the US Open Cup final. But the Argentine himself does not believe that the MLS is one that is alike to the European stages he has played at.

In a recent interview, he was asked whether he would play in the next World Cup in 2026 and whether playing in a league like Inter Miami could hinder that. He replied that his participation in 2026 is still under consideration. “I said it several times and it is a reality – I will always try to compete to the maximum and I am the first to know when I can be there and when I can’t.”

He also very bluntly admitted that the MLS is a minor league, “I am also aware that I went to a minor league, but a lot happens because of the way one faces it and competes.”

Before joining Inter Miami, Messi did have proposals from many European clubs, including a return to Barcelona. He was also offered a lucrative deal from Saudi club Al Hilal. But he rejected those to go to Inter Miami for one reason. He wanted to relax and not feel any pressure, which would have been the case in Europe. But at Miami, he can finally relax with his family.

Inter Miami sells out 2024 season tickets despite price hike

Lionel Messi has not just helped Inter Miami on the pitch but also outside of it. A player of his stature has brought much global coverage and revenue to the club. After his arrival, match tickets for Inter Miami games went up drastically.

And now Inter Miami have announced that all season ticket sales for the 2024 MLS season have been sold. This has been confirmed on their website, where they have asked fans to remain alert for match tickets as those also get sold out soon. It seems the DRV PNK Stadium will be quite packed this upcoming season, and there is no doubt as to why.

The MLS is yet to release their schedule for the new seasons, though it could be released in the upcoming weeks. The fact that the season tickets are already sold out before the schedule has been released, and that they are also overpriced compared to last season, show the impact Lionel Messi has had on the team.

Lionel Messi is currently enjoying his vacation with his family, though his next game with Inter Miami has been confirmed to be against the El Salvador national team on January 19th.