Inter Miami's co-owner has tipped superstar signing Lionel Messi to have a post-football career akin to David Beckham and Michael Jordan.
Outspoken billionaire businessman Jorge Mas has made no mistake of revealing his ambitions for the Herons and clearly sees the arrival of the departing Paris Saint-Germain winger as a major component in his blueprint. Undoubtedly, the signing of the 36-year-old represents the coup of a lifetime for the construction tycoon, with the transfer a landmark in the history of MLS.
Such is the World Cup winner's star power that the 60-year-old expects him to help catapult the popularity of the US league and leave a major legacy stateside. Having won 43 trophies across his illustrious career, the forward will arrive in Florida to unprecedented fanfare, with the move having captured the imaginations of the public at large.
To put the Argentinian legend's draw into context, tickets to see him in action at away grounds sold out across the country within hours of the announcement of his impending transfer to MLS. Second-hand tickets were also on sale for a staggering $20,701 (£16,300) on re-sale website StubHub as the clamour to see him in action reached fever pitch.
On top of this, Inter Miami has already announced that adjustments will be made to its temporary DRV PNK Stadium, such is the demand to see him in action. Rival teams are also having adapt ahead of his arrival, with Atlanta United set to open the upper tier of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, to allow for a maximum capacity of spectators — such is the demand.
Inter Miami chief Mas is left in no doubt that the Argentina captain will have a transformative impact during his time in the US, predicting that MLS can develop into one of the world's top leagues in that time. He also expressed the view that Messi will have one eye on ensuring his legacy will continue following the conclusion of his career in a similar way to David Beckham and NBA icon Michael Jordan.
Speaking to El Pais, he explained that the former Camp Nou star harbours an ambition to make a difference in football and beyond, saying: "Messi can turn MLS into one of the two or three biggest leagues in the world. I think he comes with the desire to leave his mark, and he will be able to do so beyond football.
"When he retires he will have a stake in the club. I imagine a life after football for Messi very similar to that of David Beckham or Michael Jordan."
Despite the fledgling franchise's recent blockbuster transfer activity, there is no getting away from the fact that they have desperately struggled to live up to expectations on the pitch so far this term. Currently sitting bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, new head coach Tata Martino will be tasked with improving the team's fortunes in the coming months.
With fellow former Blaugrana star Sergio Busquets also joining Messi in Florida, the hope within the club's hierarchy will be that they can help to arrest the slide imminently. The Herons currently sit some nine points off Montreal in the final playoffs spot after 20 rounds played.
