da 888： Lionel Messi has made a stunning impact in America, with MLS commissioner Don Garber admitting that “every game is almost like the Super Bowl”.

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Argentine icon chasing the American dreamMade stunning impact on and off the pitchHelped to raise profile of game in the StatesWHAT HAPPENED?

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has diverted some attention away from NFL, NBA and MLB in the United States, with Inter Miami seeing their stock soar above many established franchises from other sports. All eyes are on Messi every time that he takes to the field, with A-list guests flocking to catch a glimpse of him in action.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

MLS are looking to make the most of their moment in the sun, with tickets and merchandise shifting at record rates and at ever-increasing prices. That is considered to be a good thing for the American game as a whole, with Messi having made elite competition in the U.S. his “league of choice”.

WHAT GARBER SAID ABOUT MESSI

With a Messi frenzy sparked in each passing fixture, Garber has told of having the all-time great leading a sporting revolution: “With Messi, every game is almost like the Super Bowl, with the celebrity presence and the global media presence. Messi joining the league became a global story that raised the profile of our league. The greatest player of all-time made MLS his league of choice — what could that mean to the next group of (international) players who are now watching our games on a global platform, who are following what Leo did with Miami? He expanded and grew our global presence. We’re just beginning to understand what that could mean.”

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

What it means for now is more eyes on the MLS product and more money in the bank. Messi has already delivered Leagues Cup glory at Inter Miami – with the start of his adventure in Florida being captured in the ‘Messi Meets America’ documentary series – and he will be back in the trophy hunt when the 2024 campaign gets underway.