Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in the history of the sport, recently shared his thoughts on the differences between European football and Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. While Messi’s arrival in MLS was seen as a landmark moment for the league, his comments on the subject provide a deeper insight into the changes that need to be made for American football to continue growing.

As he continues to make waves with his performances on the field for Inter Miami, his reflections off the pitch on the American football landscape are helping to shape the future of the sport in the U.S.

After his high-profile move to the United States in 2023, Messi has quickly become the face of MLS, bringing a level of prestige to the league that it has never experienced before. His performances have sparked renewed interest in soccer in the U.S., a country that has long been seen as a developing football market in comparison to the major leagues in Europe.

However, despite his success in the MLS, Messi’s candid observations regarding the differences between European and American football are a reminder that the two continents’ football cultures are still distinct, and that it will take time for MLS to close the gap.

In a recent interview, Messi discussed five key aspects of the game that he believes are different between European football and MLS. These differences go beyond the level of play on the field and delve into the cultural, tactical, and infrastructural aspects of the sport in each region. His analysis sheds light on the challenges that MLS faces in its quest to become a truly competitive and respected league on the global stage.

The first significant difference Messi pointed out is the pace of the game. He noted that European football, especially in top leagues like La Liga, the Premier League, and Serie A, is characterized by a faster tempo, with teams moving the ball more quickly and players making faster decisions. Messi explained that the speed of play in Europe is a result of years of tactical development, high-level competition, and the presence of world-class players. In contrast, MLS tends to have a slower rhythm, with teams often taking more time to build up their attacks.

Messi acknowledged that this slower pace can sometimes be beneficial, especially for players who are transitioning into the league, but emphasized that increasing the speed of the game would be key to improving the overall standard of play in the U.S.

Messi’s second point focused on the tactical differences between European and American football. In Europe, teams are typically well-drilled in complex tactical systems, with managers placing a high emphasis on discipline, positional play, and structured build-up. The teams in top European leagues are often coached to prioritize possession, pressing, and other advanced tactical concepts. On the other hand, Messi observed that MLS teams tend to rely more on individual skill and athleticism rather than a strict tactical system. While this makes for exciting and unpredictable matches, it can sometimes result in disjointed play and a lack of cohesiveness among teams.

Messi suggested that MLS could improve by focusing more on tactical development and bringing in coaches who are well-versed in advanced tactical systems. He believes that greater tactical sophistication will allow teams to better compete on the international stage and help the league grow in stature.

Another key difference Messi highlighted is the level of competition in European football compared to MLS. In Europe, the competition at the top of the leagues is incredibly intense, with teams constantly battling for the title, European qualification, and survival in the league. The margin for error is minimal, and the pressure on players and coaches is immense. Messi explained that this level of competition drives players to constantly improve and push the boundaries of what is possible on the field. In contrast, MLS, while competitive, does not have the same level of pressure at the top of the table.

The league is still growing, and while teams like LAFC, New York City FC, and Inter Miami are among the stronger clubs, the overall depth of competition is not yet on par with Europe’s top leagues. Messi emphasized that for MLS to reach the next level, it would need to create a more consistent and competitive environment across all teams, with less disparity between the top and bottom clubs. He also noted that greater consistency in performance would encourage more international attention and investment in the league.

Messi also addressed the differences in player development between Europe and the U.S. In Europe, there is a strong focus on youth academies, where young players are given the tools to develop their skills from a very young age. Messi himself benefited from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, which helped hone his talent and prepare him for the professional game. European clubs invest heavily in their academies and youth systems, often providing players with a clear pathway to the first team.

In contrast, Messi observed that while MLS has made progress in this area, there is still room for improvement in terms of youth development. He mentioned that American soccer players tend to rely more on their physical attributes rather than technical skills, which can be a disadvantage when competing at the highest levels. Messi stressed the importance of investing in youth academies, ensuring that young players receive proper training and exposure to the game’s technical aspects from an early age.

He believes that developing a strong pipeline of talented players will be essential for MLS to become a more competitive league.

Lastly, Messi touched upon the cultural differences between European football and American soccer. Football in Europe is more than just a sport; it is a way of life for millions of fans. The passion and history surrounding football clubs in Europe are unparalleled, with fans deeply connected to their teams and their communities. In contrast, soccer in the U.S. has historically been viewed as a secondary sport, with football, basketball, and baseball dominating the sports landscape. Messi acknowledged that the U.S.

is making strides in terms of soccer’s popularity, but it still has a long way to go before it can reach the level of passion and support seen in Europe. He mentioned that creating a stronger football culture in the U.S. would require greater fan engagement, more investment in local clubs, and a deeper understanding of the sport’s rich history. Messi believes that as soccer continues to grow in popularity, American fans will begin to develop a more profound connection to the sport and its players, which will ultimately help elevate the level of competition.

In conclusion, Messi’s reflections on the differences between European football and MLS provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that American soccer faces. While the U.S. has made significant progress in growing the sport, there is still work to be done in terms of improving the pace of the game, tactical sophistication, competition, player development, and the football culture. Messi’s suggestions for change, though thoughtful and constructive, highlight the gap between European and American soccer.

However, his presence in MLS, combined with the investments being made by clubs and the growing interest in the sport, bodes well for the future of soccer in the U.S. Messi’s influence will continue to shape the trajectory of MLS, and his observations will serve as a guiding light for the league as it works to elevate its level of play and establish itself as a truly competitive force in world football.