Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) in July 2023 sparked unprecedented attention for the league, reshaping its global profile and fan engagement. However, his decision to skip the 2025 MLS All-Star Game has provoked debate about the league’s reliance on his star power and raised questions about his ongoing commitment to the American <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>soccer landscape.
The Tremendous Influence of Lionel Messi on MLS Growth
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has transformed MLS both on and off the field. His presence led to record-breaking viewership numbers, with his debut against Cruz Azul becoming the most-watched MLS team game in history and attracting the highest global audience for any MLS match. More than 100 countries tuned in live, underscoring how Messi elevated the league’s international reach.
Financially, MLS saw a surge in sponsorship revenue, increasing by 18% following Messi’s arrival, outpacing even MLB’s 16% growth during the same period. His jersey sales marked a historic milestone as the best-selling in MLS history for 2023, while attendance records climbed, notably at Inter Miami’s matches against New England Revolution and Chicago Fire held at Soldier Field.
These achievements highlight Messi’s role as the catalyst MLS needed—boosting the sport’s visibility in the United States ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US. Known for his extraordinary dribbling, free-kicks, and skillful playmaking, Messi has drawn fans and financial backers alike, fundamentally altering the American soccer scene.
The Controversy Surrounding Messi’s Absence from the All-Star Game
The debate intensified when Messi opted out of the 2025 MLS All-Star Game against the Liga MX All-Stars, a marquee event symbolizing American soccer’s growing prestige. While MLS secured a 3-1 victory without him, his absence sparked criticism over what it signified about the league’s dependence on his global appeal.
Journalist Favian Renkel expressed strong disapproval on social media, emphasizing the importance of Messi’s participation for promoting MLS worldwide:
“The MLS All-Star Game is one of the few things that sets the league apart from the rest of the global soccer landscape. If you think Lionel Messi playing in it wouldn’t help grow MLS, you’re mistaken. Just a few clips of him in action could generate massive interest from fans around the world, especially those unfamiliar with what an All-Star Game even is.”
—Favian Renkel, Reporter
This perspective underscores how some within media and fan circles view Messi as more than a player; he is considered a vital ambassador for MLS’s efforts to carve its niche amid top global leagues.
MLS Leadership Reflects on the Risks of Over-Dependence
Amid growing concerns, voices within the league‘s ownership community have issued subtle warnings about the risks of relying too heavily on one individual. Brett Johnson, owner of Rhode Island FC, hinted at the inevitable conclusion of Messi’s MLS tenure and the need for the league to build durability beyond his presence. The reality that Messi’s American chapter will eventually close encourages MLS to prepare for a future where it must stand on its own competitive and commercial merits.
The league’s ability to win the All-Star Game without Messi provides a glimpse of hope that MLS can foster other stars and maintain momentum, but it also highlights the delicate balance between celebrating Messi’s contributions and asserting MLS’s autonomy.
Messi’s Enduring Legacy and What Lies Ahead for MLS
Lionel Messi’s impact on Major League Soccer remains indisputable—he has set new standards for viewership, attendance, merchandise sales, and international attention. His arrival ushered in a new era where MLS gained relevance on the world soccer map, proving that American soccer fans and investors are ready to embrace the sport at higher levels.
The controversy over his All-Star Game absence and the ongoing dialogue about his future reflect the broader challenges MLS faces in maturing as a competitive league with a sustainable identity. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the league’s ability to nurture emerging talent and expand its fan base will be critical to continuing the momentum Messi helped ignite.
Ultimately, while Lionel Messi’s MLS impact has been unmatched, the league stands at a crossroads where it must balance celebrating its superstar’s achievements with building a resilient foundation that lasts beyond his career on American soil.