Football BaBe
- Gomez says Messi basically gets whatever he wants
- Said league is only interested in gaining casual fans
- Argued MLS has a Messi-centric strategy
MLS’s Messi Obsession: A Risky Gamble?
In the dynamic world of Major League Soccer, the spotlight on Lionel Messi has sparked intense debates about the league’s priorities. As Inter Miami‘s star continues to draw global attention, questions arise about whether MLS is overlooking its dedicated followers in favor of broader appeal. This controversy, highlighted by recent events, underscores a potential imbalance that could shape the league’s future.
Herculez Gomez Calls Out MLS Priorities in Messi Era
Following the uproar over Lionel Messi’s absence from the MLS All-Star Game, ex-US national team player Herculez Gomez has voiced concerns about how Major League Soccer handles its marquee player, potentially at the expense of its core audience.
Gomez highlighted that the league seems to bend rules for the Argentine icon, even imposing suspensions on Messi and his fellow player Jordi Alba for missing the event in Austin, yet continuing to revolve strategies around him.
The Perils of Betting Everything on One Star
“Everyone must follow the rules, but by focusing all efforts on a single asset, MLS has essentially elevated one individual above regulations,” Gomez explained during his show. “I’m addressing the resistance here. It appears that devoted MLS enthusiasts are pushing back, saying ‘Enough with Messi; he’s disrupting the league. This isn’t Messi League Soccer-it’s Major League Soccer.'”
“Everything revolves around Messi now, and fans are growing weary of it. I can understand their frustration and even share some of it. However, don’t assume that Major League Soccer prioritizes your loyalty. They’re after your support, but their eyes are on attracting occasional viewers, and those viewers are drawn to Messi… This approach has been consistent, so it’s no shock.”
Building a Powerhouse Team Around Messi
Gomez further discussed the flexible roster policies in MLS that have enabled Inter Miami to build a formidable lineup featuring Messi, with the latest inclusion of Rodrigo De Paul boosting their strength.
“They’ve essentially created an elite squad capable of pursuing any goal they set,” he noted. “There’s growing discontent among regular supporters. Figures like Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane, and Landon Donovan engaged with media and fans extensively. Why isn’t Messi doing the same? It’s a valid concern… But MLS isn’t bothered.”
“You shouldn’t be surprised by this development since we’ve permitted it to unfold. So, with Messi at the center, MLS has committed fully to this path. They’re in a spot where backing out isn’t feasible. Should Lionel Messi choose not to extend his stay beyond 2025 toward the 2026 World Cup… it might not spell doom, but it would be a significant setback, delaying progress. Thus, they’re locked into this strategy and must follow through.”
Future Implications for Messi and Inter Miami in MLS
Lionel Messi’s agreement with Inter Miami is set to conclude after the 2025 season, with talks underway for a possible extension. Recent updates show that Messi’s presence has boosted MLS attendance by over 20% in 2024 matches involving Inter Miami, according to league reports, emphasizing his draw for new audiences.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is scheduled to compete against Atlas, Necaxa, and Pumas in the Leagues Cup, where De Paul is expected to debut for the squad on Wednesday evening.
