Don Garber Highlights Lionel Messi’s Impact on Major League Soccer
In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, MLS Commissioner Don Garber discussed how Lionel Messi has enhanced the league’s atmosphere.
“There’s more excitement, momentum, and just buzz around the league than ever before. Opened up the season with crowds of over 75,000 for our Messi games,” Garber stated.
He emphasized, “Leagues measure attendance, they measure ratings and social media, but really what’s more important is that there’s just more buzz, there’s more interest. Messi is lighting up the league like never before.”
Garber’s assertions are supported by recent statistics. In April, Inter Miami faced the Colorado Rapids, drawing a crowd of 75,824 at Empower Field, marking one of the largest attendances in MLS history.
Messi delivered a standout performance during that match, scoring twice, including the decisive goal. This was the kind of impactful play the league envisioned when he joined in 2023.
The effects of Messi’s presence extend beyond the field. Inter Miami has seen increases in valuation, sponsorship opportunities, ticket demand, and global visibility with Messi at the forefront.
Garber Links Messi to Major League Soccer’s Player Development Goals
Garber also noted how the current surge of interest in the league is tied to a long-term transformation in player development that is beginning to show results.
“You’re seeing young kids growing up in our academies, coming up and playing for the first team,” he explained.
“That’s a really important part of what’s been driving momentum in MLS because we’ve been waiting for that for a long time,” Garber added.
This highlights another aspect of Messi’s influence. While his arrival draws international attention and new fans, the league’s sustainable growth will hinge on the development and showcasing of local talent.
The academy system has become key to this vision. More young players are gaining significant playing time and roles within their clubs, shifting from being mere hopefuls to valuable contributors.
For Garber, this represents the balance that the league has been striving for: global stars attracting interest at the top levels, while homegrown talent establishes a solid foundation beneath.