MIAMI — Lionel Messi completed his first full season with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer last month, and has spent the last year and a half as the sport’s greatest ambassador in the United States.
It’s been everything MLS commissioner Don Garber has envisioned and more – outside of Inter Miami’s first-round playoff exit last month.
Messi’s presence has helped elevate MLS on the world stage, and Inter Miami’s inclusion in the Club World Cup next summer will also help the league gain greater exposure it has already enjoyed since his arrival in July 2023.
“I never expected it would be as big as it is,” Garber said Thursday during the FIFA Club World Cup group-stage draw.
“We’re in the soccer, football business. When you’re here in the states, there are so many big stars. Unless you’re living in the world of football, it’s hard to imagine the overall appeal and the massive popularity and stardom that Leo Messi has. He is Michael Jackson, meeting Taylor Swift, and he’s playing in our league.
“It exceeded my expectations,” Garber added about Messi. “I love what it’s done for MLS, and I hope Leo stays healthy and will stay in the league for a long time.”
Just, how long?
Messi is under contract with Inter Miami at least through the 2025 MLS season. Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas is working steadfast on a contract extension for the World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Mas hopes Messi is around when Inter Miami tentatively opens its new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.
Messi’s legion of fans worldwide, including those in his native Argentina, also hope he commits to playing in World Cup 2026.
“I’ll be sitting with Leo at some point this offseason, and I’m optimistic as long as Leo Messi’s health holds up that we’ll be seeing him in pink,” Mas said of Messi.
Messi and Inter Miami will play the opening match of the Club World Cup against Egyptian powerhouse Al Alhy at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on June 15, 2025.
The tournament is one of five trophies Messi and Inter Miami could win next year, after their exit in the MLS Cup playoffs to Atlanta United last month.
Garber downplayed Messi’s absence from the playoffs, which will end Saturday when the Los Angeles Galaxy host the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup final.
“I think you have to play the games, and you have to win. They were the Supporters’ Shield winner and had more points than any team in the history of the league. But in our format, playoffs are tough. They had two games at home to win, and Atlanta really came on strong,” Garber said.
“I think the playoffs have been great. We love the fact we can have upsets, and here we are with two great teams. I lean in and believe any team can win on any given day.”
It’s been a busy week for Garber, who attended the stadium groundbreaking for New York City FC on Wednesday, the Club World Cup draw, and then will be in Los Angeles for the MLS Cup final.
One thing Garber made sure to do during his time in South Florida was meet with Messi and his family.
And he came away with one major reaction afterwards.
“They seem very happy here – and that’s a good thing. … That’s what it’s all about,” Garber said of Messi and his family.
“Every now again, you take a step back. We have Leo Messi in our league, and I hope everybody really understands it because it is really special.”
