When Ronaldo made the move to Al Nassr he captured the headlines and changed the game. Many top players soon followed his steps. Neymar Jr, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, Allan St Maximin, Edouard Mendy, and many others. Ronaldo said that the Saudi Pro League will be a top 5 league in years to come and is better than European Football. Since Ronaldo’s statement Al Nassr faced 4 European teams including AC Milan in pre-season friendlies and lost every single game.
Some might say that the Saudi Pro League transformed soccer by bringing in top talent but not me. The biggest game changer was Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami. The team was bottom of the League and was having a terrible season before Messi joined. Since the GOAT arrived, Inter Miami has gained a huge boost in followers. Ticket prices have increased from a league-low $15 to over $250.
Messi’s old Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busuqets also joined Inter Miami. They have been playing peak Barcelona football and have dominated the MLS. Every game that Messi started has seen a win or draw for Inter Miami. His impact hasn’t just been on the field. More celebrities have been showing up for Inter Miami games. On top of that MLS viewership has increased by over 75%.
The biggest impact Messi has had is on his teammates. The locker room vibes in Miami are immaculate. The American players have been teaching Messi English. Messi even joined the group chat and has given many gifts to his teammates.
On the field, he has brought out the best in these players. One such rise is Benjamin Cremaschi. Cremaschi rose up for the Inter Miami Academy and made it all the way up to the first team. He went on to score the game-winning penalty in their league cup match and assisted Messi for the go-ahead goal against the New York Red Bulls. With a strue of impressive performances, Cremaschi got his first call for USA’s senior team and made his international debut.
Messi has taken the MLS by storm. With just 7 games played, he is already Inter Miami’s third all-time leading scorer. Not only does he increase the quality of play on the field..but off the field, he increases the demand to watch.
