They once claimed that Lionel Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) would be nothing more than a retirement plan — a one-off spectacle. But what followed has been nothing short of revolutionary.
Since Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami, the landscape of American soccer has changed dramatically. More and more global stars — some still in their prime — are now choosing the MLS over traditional footballing destinations or even the financially dominant Saudi Pro League.
Let’s take a look at the growing list of elite players making the move:
Thomas Müller — The Bayern Munich legend and World Cup winner has shocked the football world by signing with Vancouver Whitecaps, bringing top-tier German footballing flair to Canada.
Heung-Min Son — Negotiations are reportedly underway to bring the South Korean superstar to MLS. If completed, it would be one of the biggest signings in league history.
Rodrigo De Paul — Another World Cup winner with Argentina, now playing alongside Messi at Inter Miami. His move solidifies the club as a new global hotspot.
Luis Suárez — A long-time Messi teammate, the Uruguayan striker reunited with him at Inter Miami, reigniting one of the most feared partnerships in modern football.
Sergio Busquets & Jordi Alba — Two Barcelona legends, both World Cup and Champions League winners, followed Messi to the MLS, choosing camaraderie and legacy over enormous salaries elsewhere.
Hugo Lloris — The former France captain and World Cup winner signed for Los Angeles FC, bringing vast experience and leadership to the squad.
Olivier Giroud — While he has since left, Giroud’s stint with LAFC was yet another sign of elite players embracing the MLS brand.
What’s truly remarkable is that five of these players are World Cup winners — titans of international football. And most of them turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, preferring to play in the U.S. — not just for money, but for lifestyle, legacy, and the Messi effect.
Lionel Messi hasn’t just elevated Inter Miami — he’s reshaped the global image of American soccer. The MLS is no longer a league for fading stars — it’s becoming a magnet for world-class talent, driven by vision, culture, and influence.
This is more than a trend. It’s a movement. And it all started with Messi.
