Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) has generated significant attention and revenue for the league. However, concerns about the sustainability of this boost, given Messi's age and injury history, have emerged. Additionally, MLS is facing two lawsuits that could potentially have severe financial implications.
The first lawsuit, filed by the now-defunct North American Soccer League (NASL) against MLS and U.S. Soccer, alleges antitrust violations related to the division of the American soccer market. A federal court in Brooklyn has scheduled a trial for September. The second lawsuit involves promoter Relevent Sports, challenging an agreement between U.S. Soccer, FIFA, and MLS that prohibits international leagues from hosting regular season matches in the United States.
