&w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1)
FC Dallas president Dan Hunt believes Lionel Messi is the most impactful superstar to have joined Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer has seen a meteoric rise in the competition’s profile, as the attention he has attracted has seen MLS become one of the most followed non-European leagues in the world.
His impact in the league has been regularly compared with the likes of Pele, David Beckham, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who were each responsible for marked growth in the profile of America’s top flight, but according to FC Dallas owner Dan Hunt, Messi’s impact far surpasses all who came before him.
Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up on his relationship with Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi.
)
Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a subtle message to rival Lionel Messi ahead of their highly anticipated clash.
What Dan Hunt said
Hunt, one of the billionaire owners of MLS clubs, has had a front-row seat to the spike in the league’s growth since the arrival of Messi, and he explains that the rise is unprecedented.
Beckham, part owner of Inter Miami and the brain behind Messi’s move to the MLS, also had a similar impact in 2006 when he signed for the LA Galaxy, but according to Hunt, Messi’s is more significant because the league now attracts talents in their prime, as opposed to the has-beens the league is infamous for regularly acquiring.
“You’re talking about one of the greatest players of all time, if not the greatest. I mean, it really comes down to Lionel Messi or Pele,” he said, per the Dallas Morning News.
)
In a special ceremony held at DRV PNK Stadium Inter Miami CF honored team captain Lionel Messi for winning his record-tying eighth Ballon d’Or. Instagram/Leo Messi
“[Diego] Maradona was a great player, and I understand how people feel about him, but the league is so energised by this and the amount of top talent you see from Europe now wanting to play in MLS. We got great players over time like David Beckham, but now it’s guys still at their prime, wanting to come.”
Meanwhile, Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to his social media to drop a hint, suggesting he could be fit for the clash against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
)
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year Gala | Imago
The Saudi Pro League side cancelled their tour of China this week, owing to an injury suffered by their superstar captain, and this heightened fears that the 38-year-old could miss the mid-season showdown against MLS side Inter Miami.
However, Ronaldo took to his Instagram page to allay the fears of his adoring fans by posting a photo showing him waving at the fans from the team bus with the caption “See you soon.”
Related content
Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a subtle message to rival Lionel Messi ahead of their highly anticipated clash.
)
MLS side Inter Miami’s valuation has now crossed the $1 billion mark following the arrival of Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi.
)
Lionel Messi has won it all during his incredible career. Well, almost all, since one award has defied him despite seven nominations
![[Watch] Incredible reactions as Lionel Messi's son scores spectacular hattrick](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/03012024/80d0b2a4-0aef-47da-be0e-16d7a3b7de7a.png?operations=fit(:350))
Social Media errupts after video of Mateo Messi scoring hattrick hit the internet.
)
Lionel Messi’s recent move to Inter Miami not only stirred the soccer world but also sent shockwaves through the real estate market in Florida.
)
Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has officially signed for Inter Miami, becoming the latest ex-Barcelona star to join the MLS side
)
Which deals in the January and July transfer markets were the biggest in 2023?
)
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will take on one of the World Cup winner’s former clubs in a pre-season friendly in February.
