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Lionel Messi impact on Major League Soccer

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-21 09:06 UTC → 2026-09-21 23:12 UTC · added removed

Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in July 2023 has significantly altered the landscape of Major League Soccer (MLS), transforming the league’s reputation into a competitive circuit that attracts high-profile players. Following Inter Miami’s 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final, public tension emerged between Messi and MLS Commissioner Don Garber, during which Messi reportedly told the commissioner, “With me, no.” In a recent their first-ever MLS matchup meeting at Nu Stadium, Inter Miami played to a 2-2 draw against San Diego FC. Anders Dreyer scored twice for San Diego, including an early goal in the 12th minute and a late equalizer in the 82nd minute. Inter Miami responded via a 24th-minute free kick by Lionel Messi, which Messi—which marked his 101st goal for the club, and 75th career free-kick goal—and a 74th-minute goal by Luis Suárez, assisted by Rodrigo De Paul. With this performance, Messi recorded his 20th league goal of the season, becoming only the second player in MLS history to score 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons. The result places Inter Miami in second place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points. Furthering the profile of the club’s home venue, FIFA has confirmed that Nu Stadium will host the final phase of the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Club World Cup in late January. The tournament phase will include the semifinals, the third-place match, and the final. Club América and FC Barcelona have already secured spots in the competition. Jill Ellis, FIFA’s Chief Football Officer, stated the competition aims to support the growth of women’s professional club football, noting the venue was selected for its suitability and the region's strong support for the sport.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-21 23:12 UTC Lionel Messi impact on Major League Soccer
  2. 2026-09-21 09:06 UTC Lionel Messi impact on Major League Soccer
  3. 2026-09-21 06:16 UTC Lionel Messi impact on Major League Soccer
  4. 2026-09-21 04:02 UTC Lionel Messi impact on Major League Soccer
  5. 2026-09-21 02:31 UTC Lionel Messi impact on Major League Soccer
  6. 2026-09-21 01:07 UTC Lionel Messi impact on Major League Soccer
  7. 2026-09-20 15:50 UTC Lionel Messi impact on Major League Soccer

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