Lionel Messi's move to MLS is expected help transform the popularity of the sport stateside and the signs are there that his impeding arrival is already having an impact.
The iconic Argentinian winger stunned the world when he announced that he will be joining Inter Miami later this summer, spurning the advances of former club Barcelona in the process. However, after winning 43 trophies for club and country, the chance to see out the twilight years of his career on South Beach proved too hard an opportunity to resist.
Even outdoing the deal which saw David Beckham arrive at LA Galaxy back in 2007, the signing is probably the most significant in the history of football in the US and it is likely that the signing will help to catapult the popularity of the sport ahead of the World Cup in 2026. The move is also likely to prove incredibly lucrative for the 35-year-old, with his contract including favourable tie ins with commercial partners such as Apple and Adidas.
