Lionel Messi is understood to be on the verge of joining MLS outfit Inter Miami.
The world's most iconic player and seven time Balon d'Or winner has elected to head to David Beckham's American club over a return to Barcelona and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The MLS has been building in popularity in the last few years with 2022 being a record a year for football attendances in the USA.
The PSG man's move to the states is now expected to propel the MLS to even greater heights for both domestic and foreign audiences. Messi's proposed switch to Miami has also come at a time when the region is enjoying sporting success with Miami Heat competing in the NBA Finals and Florida Panthers making waves in the NHL.
In recent times, such players as Xherdan Shaqiri, Lorenzo Insigne and former Manchester United man Javier Hernandez have made the move to America and they have all helped to raise the league's profile.
The addition of many high profile stars has led to an increased interest in the MLS from UK football fans in recent years and Messi's arrival is expected to put more eyes on Major League Soccer than ever before. Fans won't be able to get a glimpse of the Argentinian superstar just yet and his debut is unlikely to come soon as he is on international duty.
The MLS season resumes after the cup on Sunday, August 20, when Miami takes on Charlotte FC. They will then take on the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, August 26 before hosting Nashville on Wednesday, August 30 so it could be in either of those games that fans get to see Messi in Miami colours.
Where can you watch the MLS?
UK fans can tune into the MLS on AppleTV+. In 2022, Apple agreed a ten-year global rights deal with the MLS worth a reported $250million (£223m) per year. The deal means they can now exclusively show all MLS matches globally.
How can you follow the action?
You can watch all the action on the MLS season pass and you can currently get 50 per cent off the season plan and watch every game in 2023 including the playoffs. Apple subscribers can add MLS games to their package for £12.99 per month or £79 per season, while non-existing subscribers can pick up the MLS Season Pass for £14.99 per month or £99 per season.
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