I definitely agree that the league is continuously growing and will trend on that same path even without Messi
However, him coming to the league would most likely greatly accelerate that. More eyes on the league would mean more money to spend and just a better overall product.
eyes on specific players doesn't automatically mean eyes on the league.
I'm fully aware of Messi, and his play in France, but I could not tell you who is going to win the league, or even who are all the top teams of that league
That’s true, but when he comes to your home town’s stadium, tons of people will go to their first MLS match ever, and hopefully find other stuff they enjoy and stick around.
Messi is one of two or three players that just about every person in America can name. Him coming to MLS would be absolutely massive for the league and would bring a ton of causal attention to MLS.
I was thinking that, but the MLS is also much bigger now than it was when Beckham came. It might be a bigger headline and bigger attention, but I think it will have a lesser impact than when Beckham came over
Disagree because tv audiences both domestically and globally. People all around the world want to watch Messi. Same wasn't necessarily true about Beckham.
Globally maybe, but MLS's main concern is getting more attention domestically and I don't know that Messi coming would move the needle here more than Beckham did.
I mean it’s France so PSG is usually the winner.
To your point, I know American soccer fans who followed Ibra at LAG but couldn’t tell you anything else about the team or the league
I agree but for me as an individual I remember the days when David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy bringing attention to the league and it’s existence. Ultimately it wouldn’t hurt, except for making us look like an aging league. Although I would argue that the pros outweigh the cons due to how the system allows for training our the younger players and creates networks for those individuals. How many football players do you know that would pass up on the chance to play with Messi for an hour. Now imagine him being on your team and getting to train with him!
I'm not saying don't do it, just that I think 'attention for Messi' isn't necessarily 'attention for the league.'
I'm sure you are right about the desire of other players to play with or against him.
Messi plays for PSG. PSG is going to win the league. If Messi wasn’t there PSG would still win the league. The top teams are PSG…and that’s it. But I agree with your point, more people are probably watching PSG with him there but I doubt it means more people watching Lyon v Toulouse.
And unfortunately, like Monaco before them, important players were sold in addition to losing their coach to Nice at the end of last season and have now fallen apart since then. Ligue 1 has a tendency of one season wonders.
The Beckham experiment suggests it's a net positive for the league on the whole and Messi is much bigger than Beckham. As for your points about not knowing about Ligue 1 that's one you.
We already did this with the David Beckham experiment. It worked. We are talking about Messi today because of what happened with DB during his time in Los Angeles.
Case was dismissed by one judge earlier but it's not entirely over.
https://www.espn.in/football/cristiano-ronaldo/story/4617519/public-might-get-look-at-cristiano-ronaldo-police-reportus-judge-says
I think cops can still take him in for questioning. That's why he isn't going to set foot in US anytime soon.
Miami can take Neymar.
Why not every MLS team get one really insane superstar. NYCFC gets Benzema, Orlando gets Marcelo, Portland gets De Bruyne, Seattle gets Harry Kane, Austin gets Mahrez, and Rapids gets ummm.. Josh Sargent.
This is interesting. New MLS rule requiring every team to have [at least?] one player with a $20+ million salary. First one gets 95% cap relief, 2nd: 80%, and so on...
Hmmm... (prolly bankrupts the league in under 5 years, lol)
Yeah, it does. This isn't 2018 when you had Zlatan, a younger Vela, and at least 5 goals per game. The last game was the lowest rated yet for OTA between these two and the hype will probably continue to decrease since the derby is basically headlined by a 34-year old Mexican international and a 33-year old international, no other big name players, and the stadium atmosphere which the gimmick will eventually not be interesting.
Yeah, but the reach outside those stadiums would improve dramatically. TV ratings would also go up as a result both locally and nationally. People don't tune in because they don't have a reason to care... well, even if you're in the Eastern Conference, you'd probably watch Messi vs. Ronaldo in LA if you can.
This would also lead to more sponsors who pay more... it could get us to the point where ticket sales is just a part of the revenue, not a vital part.
He would. But he literally can’t. Messi is the next best option.
I just talked to someone at a restaurant today who didnt know who Messi was but knew who CR7 was. He’s just more famous in America for some reason
MLS is rightfully transitioning past the era of throwing big bucks at international stars in the final years of their careers. But you make an exception for the Messi-types, whose name-recognition goes far beyond just fans of the sport.
> MLS is rightfully transitioning past the era of throwing big bucks at international stars in the final years of their careers.
IMO, it depends. If they're 35+ and obviously past it, yeah, we're fine. However, if it's a player like Messi or even Rooney, who scored 10 goals the prior season with Everton, and he can bring in fans to the stadium while playing above average in MLS, it's worth it. Just make sure to actually have a plan to improve the whole team, not just rely on him, otherwise it'll be "he came, he saw, he left" like Schweinsteiger.
Guys like Villa, Zlatan, Vela etc. we still have room for them in MLS. Insigne will hopefully be the same for Toronto.
If Eden Hazard, Griezmann, Ronaldo, Di María, Zapata, Reus, or Benteke wanted to come, I wouldn't say no, as long as they can perform still and gave a shit. Also would like to see them rotate around and not just go to LA.
i agree with that, but there’s a zero chance they get spread around too much. you’re just not convincing a multi millionaire to move away from their home continent and away from their families and friends to play for a Cincinnati or a SKC, or a Charlotte. they ain’t coming here bc they love America or Canada that much, they’re coming here to grow their personal brand to maximize the last of their playing years and hopefully extend it past their retirement, and that’s a hard sell in anywhere that’s not NYC, LA, or Toronto
Oh yeah, totally. I can see maybe Benteke being okay with DC for example and Zapata would be cool in Miami. Others, you can definitely put in LA (2 teams), NY (1 potential spender), Chicago (new billionaire owner), Toronto, and potentially Atlanta/Seattle if they are willing to shell out that amount of money (although, definitely not Messi or Ronaldo).
I'm just not a fan of hearing Axel Witsel being linked with an LA club... as per usual.
The only reason is if you think they won't give their all or even act like they cared at all when playing. Let's be honest, they are signed to promote the team and if the attraction is not acting like they give a shit, you don't want them. You can get a cheap 18 goal scorer elsewhere like how Atlanta and New York did.
It's not even the age, it's about attitude. We've seen older stars come here and light up MLS because they took it seriously, and we've seen others who were clearly just looking for one last payday and half-assing it who were big disappointments. Messi might still be great here even half-assing it, though.
I dont think Costa was nonsenical. I actually think his profile as a player fit what the Galaxy needed.
Im talking Gerrard type of signings where they didnt make sense, or Zlatan type of guys who arent the best for the locker room.
The question is if his body can keep up for a long 34-game season. He is in his mid-30s and the travel alone could suck out the life out of anyone not used to it.
Fans, starting this season we will be moving into a tier list of teams that will determine ticket prices. In tier 1, [insert Messi's team]. Tier 2, everyone else.
Seems like a silly headline. Of course we don't need Messi. Though that would be fun, just look at all the incredible new stadiums and sold-out atmospheres around the league. Soccer is already making an impact.
This exactly. While Messi hypothetically coming would be a huge plus all around, I dont think that it is necessary for him to come to MLS to help grow the sport like as if its grass roots still. We are seeing all kinds of incredible stadiums and now accomplishments with clubs where fans all around the league turn up for their team (for the most part anyway).
Sidenote: I am curious to see what Messi does next in his career, but I dont quite expect him to ever come MLS side for some reason.
He should have stayed at Barca, and the only club it ever made sense for him to leave for would be Newell's. At least for aesthetic reasons.
He's getting paid by PSG, but this year was a debacle.
>He should have stayed at Barca
He literally could not. Spain's finance laws prevented him from taking more than a 50% pay cut (which he offered), but even paying him 50% less was still too much under the penalties and regulations that La Liga was imposing on Barca for being over a billion dollars in debt.
As he showed in the press conference, he clearly wanted to stay.
Imagine Messi going to somewhere mediocre like the Quakes and making absolutely no impact because there’s so much shit in the metaphorical toilet that he can’t shine
Tepper has so much dumb money. He also is an egotistical prick, so he would totally do it. But he's also an egotistical prick who would blow the negotiation.
While I agree the league doesn't need him I do believe him coming would give the ratings a huge boost to the ratings and give leverage to the league in future during tv rights negotiations.
The problem with Messi and now to an extent Ronaldo is that theyd break a lot of teams' based on their limitations. Neither have the legs to truly defend from the front (and its not something Messi is known for to begin with). Theyd be optimal for a new team.
But the teams that can afford those numbers (LAFC, LAG, NYCFC, SEA, Miami, DC) are not teams who Messi would fit with.
As an NYCFC fan, I dont want Messi and Ronaldo because theyd immediately negate our ability to press.
I wouldn't be surprised if there was a short list of players you're not allowed to have a discovery claim on and whose acquisition would heavily involve the league office
I agree with this my son loves him and we are from America. He actually asked to change his number to 30 because of him. He'd flip if he went to MLS though.
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo should already be in the MLS, they have nothing left to prove in Europe and people are already tired of them, and the only destination they would have a strong impact on would be in America.
Messi going to Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo playing in Portugal or Brazil, or both playing in the Oil Money and China would be a waste of time too, you might be a hater, but America is magical, even more so for a sport not as adored as soccer.
but the window is closing, they're getting really old
Ok, let me clarify. He did not play for MLS since they incorporated in 1994-1995. He did play for an American soccer team (New York Cosmos) when he was past his prime. That’s what I’m saying.
Classicdude is a Sacramento Kings fan (based on comment history) and was likely looking forward to the new MLS franchise (Sacramento Republic) before the supposed owner stopped making his franchise fee payments to secure the club's spot in the league).
Wonder who would be the Eto'o and Zlatan player on his team that he alienates and gets rid of?
Would Portland side with Messi over Chara?
Would Seattle side with Messi over Ruidiaz?
NYCFC will sign him but he'll first have to play for Man City. Oh wait, where did I see that before? Anyways, Messi playing at Yankee Stadium, people would lose their collective mind.
Wouldn't exactly *hurt*, tho.
I was about to say that
Bruh tho
I definitely agree that the league is continuously growing and will trend on that same path even without Messi However, him coming to the league would most likely greatly accelerate that. More eyes on the league would mean more money to spend and just a better overall product.
eyes on specific players doesn't automatically mean eyes on the league. I'm fully aware of Messi, and his play in France, but I could not tell you who is going to win the league, or even who are all the top teams of that league
That’s true, but when he comes to your home town’s stadium, tons of people will go to their first MLS match ever, and hopefully find other stuff they enjoy and stick around.
Messi is one of two or three players that just about every person in America can name. Him coming to MLS would be absolutely massive for the league and would bring a ton of causal attention to MLS.
It'd be much bigger than Beckham was
I was thinking that, but the MLS is also much bigger now than it was when Beckham came. It might be a bigger headline and bigger attention, but I think it will have a lesser impact than when Beckham came over
Disagree because tv audiences both domestically and globally. People all around the world want to watch Messi. Same wasn't necessarily true about Beckham.
Disney would have a lot of games on ABC as well and his success will probably allow others to join as well.
I'm not sure about that. Messi is certainly a better player, but Beckham's fame transcended soccer.
Messi is considerably more popular globally, especially in the non-English speaking world.
Globally maybe, but MLS's main concern is getting more attention domestically and I don't know that Messi coming would move the needle here more than Beckham did.
Google Hispanic population in America and problem solved.
Messi is considerably more popular globally, especially in the non-English speaking world.
I mean it’s France so PSG is usually the winner. To your point, I know American soccer fans who followed Ibra at LAG but couldn’t tell you anything else about the team or the league
I agree but for me as an individual I remember the days when David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy bringing attention to the league and it’s existence. Ultimately it wouldn’t hurt, except for making us look like an aging league. Although I would argue that the pros outweigh the cons due to how the system allows for training our the younger players and creates networks for those individuals. How many football players do you know that would pass up on the chance to play with Messi for an hour. Now imagine him being on your team and getting to train with him!
I'm not saying don't do it, just that I think 'attention for Messi' isn't necessarily 'attention for the league.' I'm sure you are right about the desire of other players to play with or against him.
Messi plays for PSG. PSG is going to win the league. If Messi wasn’t there PSG would still win the league. The top teams are PSG…and that’s it. But I agree with your point, more people are probably watching PSG with him there but I doubt it means more people watching Lyon v Toulouse.
Lille won the league last year.
And unfortunately, like Monaco before them, important players were sold in addition to losing their coach to Nice at the end of last season and have now fallen apart since then. Ligue 1 has a tendency of one season wonders.
The Beckham experiment suggests it's a net positive for the league on the whole and Messi is much bigger than Beckham. As for your points about not knowing about Ligue 1 that's one you.
We already did this with the David Beckham experiment. It worked. We are talking about Messi today because of what happened with DB during his time in Los Angeles.
Personal .02 - I think CR7 would be more electric for MLS.
I don't think CR7 is stepping foot into the USA anytime soon
If you're talking about his legal issues, they dismissed it late last year. The only thing keeping him away now would be his choice
Case was dismissed by one judge earlier but it's not entirely over. https://www.espn.in/football/cristiano-ronaldo/story/4617519/public-might-get-look-at-cristiano-ronaldo-police-reportus-judge-says I think cops can still take him in for questioning. That's why he isn't going to set foot in US anytime soon.
What if we got both?
El Trafico with Messi and Ronaldo could be fucking massive.
But reversed teams. LA Galaxy get Messi and LAFC get Ronaldo.
I think Miami might snatch one of them
You think it’d create its own rivalry? California and Florida. El Coastico
No we’d just call it Messi Vs Ronaldo in MLS. No need for the gimmicky names.
Need? No. Will sports media do it anyway? Absolutely
I like gimmicky names tbh
Miami can take Neymar. Why not every MLS team get one really insane superstar. NYCFC gets Benzema, Orlando gets Marcelo, Portland gets De Bruyne, Seattle gets Harry Kane, Austin gets Mahrez, and Rapids gets ummm.. Josh Sargent.
And we can give them a special designation because the players will get paid so much. We just need to figure out what to name them.
Well, we're designating a lot of resources to this let's make sure to get it right
And let's look to the porn industry for a catchy acronymn.
snuck marcelo in there like we wouldn’t notice
This is interesting. New MLS rule requiring every team to have [at least?] one player with a $20+ million salary. First one gets 95% cap relief, 2nd: 80%, and so on... Hmmm... (prolly bankrupts the league in under 5 years, lol)
The Galaxy could get both. That would be more appealing to fans around the world. To see it’s two biggest stars on the same team
El Trafico doesn't need any help. Would rather see the NYC derby feature two superstars like this.
Yeah, it does. This isn't 2018 when you had Zlatan, a younger Vela, and at least 5 goals per game. The last game was the lowest rated yet for OTA between these two and the hype will probably continue to decrease since the derby is basically headlined by a 34-year old Mexican international and a 33-year old international, no other big name players, and the stadium atmosphere which the gimmick will eventually not be interesting.
What would change they already sell out?
Yeah, but the reach outside those stadiums would improve dramatically. TV ratings would also go up as a result both locally and nationally. People don't tune in because they don't have a reason to care... well, even if you're in the Eastern Conference, you'd probably watch Messi vs. Ronaldo in LA if you can. This would also lead to more sponsors who pay more... it could get us to the point where ticket sales is just a part of the revenue, not a vital part.
He would. But he literally can’t. Messi is the next best option. I just talked to someone at a restaurant today who didnt know who Messi was but knew who CR7 was. He’s just more famous in America for some reason
Why, because of the Vegas allegations? Weren't those dropped?
He admitted to it on tape
Cristian Roldan #7 is already here though
Cristiano Roldano
🤣🤣🤣
MLS is rightfully transitioning past the era of throwing big bucks at international stars in the final years of their careers. But you make an exception for the Messi-types, whose name-recognition goes far beyond just fans of the sport.
Exactly! We don't need Messi but we want Messi in the league
> MLS is rightfully transitioning past the era of throwing big bucks at international stars in the final years of their careers. IMO, it depends. If they're 35+ and obviously past it, yeah, we're fine. However, if it's a player like Messi or even Rooney, who scored 10 goals the prior season with Everton, and he can bring in fans to the stadium while playing above average in MLS, it's worth it. Just make sure to actually have a plan to improve the whole team, not just rely on him, otherwise it'll be "he came, he saw, he left" like Schweinsteiger. Guys like Villa, Zlatan, Vela etc. we still have room for them in MLS. Insigne will hopefully be the same for Toronto. If Eden Hazard, Griezmann, Ronaldo, Di María, Zapata, Reus, or Benteke wanted to come, I wouldn't say no, as long as they can perform still and gave a shit. Also would like to see them rotate around and not just go to LA.
i agree with that, but there’s a zero chance they get spread around too much. you’re just not convincing a multi millionaire to move away from their home continent and away from their families and friends to play for a Cincinnati or a SKC, or a Charlotte. they ain’t coming here bc they love America or Canada that much, they’re coming here to grow their personal brand to maximize the last of their playing years and hopefully extend it past their retirement, and that’s a hard sell in anywhere that’s not NYC, LA, or Toronto
Or Miami.
Oh yeah, totally. I can see maybe Benteke being okay with DC for example and Zapata would be cool in Miami. Others, you can definitely put in LA (2 teams), NY (1 potential spender), Chicago (new billionaire owner), Toronto, and potentially Atlanta/Seattle if they are willing to shell out that amount of money (although, definitely not Messi or Ronaldo). I'm just not a fan of hearing Axel Witsel being linked with an LA club... as per usual.
Why would you say no to a 18 goal scorer in Ronaldo?
The only reason is if you think they won't give their all or even act like they cared at all when playing. Let's be honest, they are signed to promote the team and if the attraction is not acting like they give a shit, you don't want them. You can get a cheap 18 goal scorer elsewhere like how Atlanta and New York did.
It's not even the age, it's about attitude. We've seen older stars come here and light up MLS because they took it seriously, and we've seen others who were clearly just looking for one last payday and half-assing it who were big disappointments. Messi might still be great here even half-assing it, though.
Unfortunately the la galaxy will still continue the trend because of ownership
Idk. I think Vanney has a strong enough resume and would be willing to shut down nonsenical signings
Douglas costa who is not performing well right now
I dont think Costa was nonsenical. I actually think his profile as a player fit what the Galaxy needed. Im talking Gerrard type of signings where they didnt make sense, or Zlatan type of guys who arent the best for the locker room.
One thing is for sure: any MLS team he would play for would be playing in sold-out stadiums in all 34 games of the season.
The question is if his body can keep up for a long 34-game season. He is in his mid-30s and the travel alone could suck out the life out of anyone not used to it.
Higher ticket prices too. The impact on the MLS would be huge!
Fans, starting this season we will be moving into a tier list of teams that will determine ticket prices. In tier 1, [insert Messi's team]. Tier 2, everyone else.
Cries for Charlotte fc... Our ticket prices are already fucking dumb
He would probably miss non-key games on turf, similar to what Zlatan did.
Portland should trade Van Rankin for him
Seems like a silly headline. Of course we don't need Messi. Though that would be fun, just look at all the incredible new stadiums and sold-out atmospheres around the league. Soccer is already making an impact.
This exactly. While Messi hypothetically coming would be a huge plus all around, I dont think that it is necessary for him to come to MLS to help grow the sport like as if its grass roots still. We are seeing all kinds of incredible stadiums and now accomplishments with clubs where fans all around the league turn up for their team (for the most part anyway). Sidenote: I am curious to see what Messi does next in his career, but I dont quite expect him to ever come MLS side for some reason.
He should have stayed at Barca, and the only club it ever made sense for him to leave for would be Newell's. At least for aesthetic reasons. He's getting paid by PSG, but this year was a debacle.
>He should have stayed at Barca He literally could not. Spain's finance laws prevented him from taking more than a 50% pay cut (which he offered), but even paying him 50% less was still too much under the penalties and regulations that La Liga was imposing on Barca for being over a billion dollars in debt. As he showed in the press conference, he clearly wanted to stay.
That's a bummer.
He had no choice but to leave.
PSG is a disastareously run club. They will eventually crash and burn but luckily for them, noone else in Ligue 1 can afford the players they can.
Our TV deal says we need bigger names.
Imagine Messi going to somewhere mediocre like the Quakes and making absolutely no impact because there’s so much shit in the metaphorical toilet that he can’t shine
Yeah, he wouldn’t be able to put the team on his back like Wondo did. Messi would be flabbergasted as to how he did it for so long.
ya cuz we already got Ronaldo
Messi to Charlotte confirmed
Tepper has so much dumb money. He also is an egotistical prick, so he would totally do it. But he's also an egotistical prick who would blow the negotiation.
Have the team train in Miami, private jet to Charlotte for games.
We’ve already got Ronaldo so let’s do it
Y'all don't want the smoke, sit down.
Simmer down there little brother lmao
Never
Americans love superstars and he sure is hell is one.
While I agree the league doesn't need him I do believe him coming would give the ratings a huge boost to the ratings and give leverage to the league in future during tv rights negotiations.
The problem with Messi and now to an extent Ronaldo is that theyd break a lot of teams' based on their limitations. Neither have the legs to truly defend from the front (and its not something Messi is known for to begin with). Theyd be optimal for a new team. But the teams that can afford those numbers (LAFC, LAG, NYCFC, SEA, Miami, DC) are not teams who Messi would fit with. As an NYCFC fan, I dont want Messi and Ronaldo because theyd immediately negate our ability to press.
Speaking of Messi. What team has his discovery rights?
I wouldn't be surprised if there was a short list of players you're not allowed to have a discovery claim on and whose acquisition would heavily involve the league office
Union.
I’d like Messi to play in Miami. The interest in that market would help that franchise even more and more eyes on the league.
he should come to la😔
Nah, Austin where it at
better than the Columbus crew and rsl fans that probably downvoted my comment💀
Houston
He doesn’t need to come to grow the sport but I’d travel within the states to see him play
I agree with this my son loves him and we are from America. He actually asked to change his number to 30 because of him. He'd flip if he went to MLS though.
He should come to Austin 🙌
Think psg will take a Dominguez swap deal?
Maybe we can throw in TAM? 😅
Lmao
It’d be nice tho
MLS should not be signing anymore from europe over 30
Back in the 80s the English First Division tried to do the same thing. They were known as a retirement league.
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo should already be in the MLS, they have nothing left to prove in Europe and people are already tired of them, and the only destination they would have a strong impact on would be in America. Messi going to Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo playing in Portugal or Brazil, or both playing in the Oil Money and China would be a waste of time too, you might be a hater, but America is magical, even more so for a sport not as adored as soccer. but the window is closing, they're getting really old
Bad take g
Maybe you should start adding some marzipan. Your takes are lacking.
Why would he wanna come here in the first place he’s too good for us(my opinion)
No MLS team could afford his purse. His salary is more than some entire team budget!
Pele played in MLS as well. Not much was accomplished.
Can’t tell if this is some elaborate trolling or…
Pele Van Anholt played for the Galaxy for a few games before a major knee injury knocked him out for the season.
How am I trolling? Pele played American soccer in the 70s.
Pele's career ended 20 years before MLS existed
Ok, let me clarify. He did not play for MLS since they incorporated in 1994-1995. He did play for an American soccer team (New York Cosmos) when he was past his prime. That’s what I’m saying.
That was in the NASL which is a different league...
[удалено]
Messi with a broken foot is better than 95% of MLS talent.
/r/MLS moment
MLS can't afford Messi anyway.
MLS will afford Messi if they feel they need him for a sweeter TV deal.
Technically, if Manchester City can afford him, so can New York City FC.
Tons of teams could like NYCFC, Atlanta or LA Galaxy but Real Salt Lake and Colorado rapids could not
Garbage league
Bozo
Getting mad at Reddit because your owner bailed?
Out of the loop what’s the context here
Classicdude is a Sacramento Kings fan (based on comment history) and was likely looking forward to the new MLS franchise (Sacramento Republic) before the supposed owner stopped making his franchise fee payments to secure the club's spot in the league).
Garbage post.
Garbage dude
Wonder who would be the Eto'o and Zlatan player on his team that he alienates and gets rid of? Would Portland side with Messi over Chara? Would Seattle side with Messi over Ruidiaz?
He probably won’t choose turf.
NYCFC will sign him but he'll first have to play for Man City. Oh wait, where did I see that before? Anyways, Messi playing at Yankee Stadium, people would lose their collective mind.