In the world of football, few players have had as much influence as Lionel Messi. His move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 marked a historic shift in the football landscape, not just in terms of his transfer, but also for the future of the sport. However, it wasn’t long before Messi shocked the football world again with his decision to move to Major League Soccer (MLS) and join Inter Miami in 2023.
The decision was met with mixed reactions, both from fans and critics alike, as the American league had been long associated with an influx of older stars looking for one final paycheck rather than the nurturing of young talent or serious competitive football.
Among the loudest critics was Landon Donovan, one of the most accomplished players in U.S. soccer history. Donovan, known for his outspoken and often controversial opinions, didn’t hold back when discussing Messi’s decision to join MLS. In a series of pointed comments, Donovan accused Inter Miami and the league as a whole of prioritizing star power and financial investment over the development of local talent.
He voiced concerns about the long-term impact of such decisions on the sport in the U.S., arguing that the focus should be on cultivating homegrown American players rather than luring big-name international stars to the league.
Donovan’s comments resonated with a segment of the American soccer community, who had long been frustrated by what they perceived as a lack of investment in youth development. Critics pointed out that despite the influx of international talent in MLS, American soccer had struggled to produce top-tier players capable of competing on the global stage. Donovan, a key figure in the U.S.
national team’s success during his career, felt that the focus should be on creating a sustainable system that would allow American players to rise through the ranks of the sport, rather than relying on foreign stars to carry the league.
The controversy grew when Donovan made a scathing remark about Inter Miami’s strategy. He referred to the club as a “wealthy team buying titles” with no real substance, no deep connection to the American soccer culture, and no historical significance. These comments were made in the context of the growing trend in MLS of clubs spending large sums of money to sign high-profile international players, sometimes at the expense of developing local talent. Donovan expressed frustration over the perception that clubs like Inter Miami were prioritizing big names over the foundations of the sport in the U.S.
His statements were not entirely without merit, as many within the soccer community shared his concerns. The U.S. men’s national team had often been criticized for not having enough world-class players, and there was a growing belief that the influx of international stars could inadvertently stunt the growth of American soccer. Furthermore, some critics argued that MLS, while improving in terms of competitiveness, still lagged behind European leagues when it came to developing young talent and fostering a strong footballing culture.
In response to Donovan’s comments, Messi, who had been focused on adjusting to his new life in Miami and his new team, took a different approach. During a post-match interview, Messi addressed the criticism head-on, but in a manner that was measured and composed, yet firm. Holding the microphone on the field, Messi looked directly into the camera and made his thoughts known. With only 12 words, he said, “We are here to grow the game, not just buy titles.”
His response was succinct, but it carried weight. Messi, a player who had spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, had always been associated with a club known for its focus on youth development. Barcelona’s La Masia academy had produced some of the best players in the world, and Messi himself was a product of that system. His decision to join MLS wasn’t just about a financial opportunity; it was about contributing to the growth of soccer in the U.S., in a way that aligned with his values as a player.
Messi’s words were a direct response to Donovan’s criticism, and they highlighted a key difference in perspective. While Donovan was focused on the immediate impacts of big-money transfers, Messi seemed to be looking at the bigger picture—the long-term benefits of raising the profile of soccer in the U.S. By joining a club like Inter Miami, Messi wasn’t just adding another title to his resume; he was helping to bring the spotlight to MLS and, by extension, American soccer.
His presence was already having an impact on the league, with more fans attending games, increased media coverage, and more attention on the development of soccer in the U.S.
While some critics continued to argue that Messi’s move to MLS was a sign that the league was prioritizing short-term fame over long-term growth, Messi’s response was a reminder of the different ways in which the game can be influenced. As a global ambassador for the sport, Messi’s presence in the U.S. was bound to have a ripple effect. Whether it was through inspiring young American players to pursue careers in soccer, or through helping the league attract better-quality players and coaches, Messi was playing a role in shaping the future of the game in the U.S.
Moreover, Messi’s response reflected the reality of his own career trajectory. At 36 years old, Messi was no longer in the prime of his playing days. While he still possessed remarkable skill and vision on the pitch, he was also aware of the role he could play off the field. His decision to move to MLS was not an indication of his decline, but rather a recognition of the unique position he was in to influence the growth of the sport in a country where soccer had yet to reach its full potential. His arrival in the U.S.
was a chance to leave a legacy that extended beyond his playing career, one that involved fostering a greater appreciation for the game in a nation that had historically struggled to embrace it.
While Donovan and others may have reservations about the state of American soccer, Messi’s move to Inter Miami could prove to be a key turning point for the sport in the U.S. It is a decision that speaks to the changing nature of football globally, where top players are increasingly looking to make an impact in emerging markets. While MLS still has challenges to overcome, Messi’s arrival provides the league with an opportunity to continue its development, not just through big-name signings, but through the long-term cultivation of a soccer culture that can thrive in the U.S.
In the weeks and months that followed Messi’s move, there were signs that the league was indeed growing. MLS began to see higher attendance numbers, particularly at games involving Messi’s Inter Miami, and the global media coverage surrounding the league increased. Furthermore, there was a noticeable rise in the number of young American players gaining exposure, with more scouts and coaches showing interest in developing talent domestically. Messi’s response to Donovan’s criticism highlighted his belief in the power of his presence to help accelerate that growth.
Ultimately, Messi’s arrival in MLS wasn’t just about playing football; it was about helping to shape the future of the sport in the U.S. In responding to Donovan’s comments, Messi was sending a message that his decision to join Inter Miami was not about taking shortcuts to success or simply adding to his trophy collection, but about investing in the long-term development of soccer in a country with enormous potential.
While some critics may continue to argue about the direction MLS is heading, Messi’s legacy in the U.S. will likely be seen as one of growth and transformation. His decision to play in MLS was not just a personal one, but a choice that could leave an indelible mark on the future of soccer in America. The sport is evolving in the U.S., and Messi’s involvement may very well be one of the catalysts for a new era in American football.
