Miami and MLS roll out the red carpet for their Messi-ah Premium

Lionel Messi's move to MLS has set off a 'butterfly effect' for US soccer. His arrival, along with other big names, has given the US a golden chance to make a name in men's soccer. The 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, will be boosted by the presence of a flourishing domestic league. Messi's debut saw him score a dramatic free-kick, sending fans and legends into a frenzy. His move has turned heads in MLS' direction, with the league's commissioner calling it a testament to its growth. The time for theory and speculation is over, and the Argentine must now inspire his team to playoff qualification.

Lionel Messi and the USA’s Major League Soccer is an alliance none would have dreamt of. But the whimsical thought turned into a legitimate rumour quickly, materialising into one of the most influential moments in American soccer history as the Argentine star signed for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.

The land of opportunity has given itself a golden chance to make a name in men’s soccer — or football as it is known in other parts of the world — through the arrival of Messi. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, would be boosted by the presence of a flourishing domestic league which attracts more eyeballs and footfalls.

MLS’ defining moment came when the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped onto the field at the DRV PNK Stadium, his new home. Messi emerged from the dugout in the 54th minute of the League Cup game against Cruz Azul and was duly handed the captain’s armband — a symbol of his responsibility to take care of not only the team but also the league’s popularity.

The 36-year-old stepped in along with his former FC Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets and the duo made an instant impact, forcing many to reminisce the glory days at Camp Nou. The match was heading for a draw when the magician pulled a rabbit out of his hat. With an incredible left-footed free-kick in the 94th minute, he found the top left corner, sending the legends of other sports (LeBron James and Serena Williams, among others) and the fans into a frenzy.

The packed stadium, which also had quite a few celebrities rooting for Messi and Miami, erupted as Leo ran towards the sidelines to hug his family and celebrate the strike.

“Tonight’s a dream come true for everybody in this stadium and everybody in this country to see Leo step into the MLS and perform. I don’t have many words for that,” Beckham told an MLS reporter after Miami’s 2-1 victory.

Messi joining the league is a shot in the arm the MLS needed as more and more big names like Busquets and Jordi Alba (both World Cup winners) have also moved to the United States. The country’s association with football has been mostly driven by its prolific women’s team and with the men’s WC coming up in three years, it would look to step it up on all fronts: on field exploits and a strong fan following.