(Washington) MLS commissioner Don Garber believes the arrival of Lionel Messi heralds exciting years for soccer in North America.
The United States, Mexico and Canada will host the World Cup in 2026.
Before that, there will be the 2024 Copa America and the 2025 Club World Cup, both in the United States.
“North America generates a lot of the energy for soccer globally, and we believe MLS is one of the drivers of all that energy,” Garber said.
Garber answered questions from reporters on Tuesday, the day before the MLS All-Star Game in Washington.
A team of league stars will face Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Messi’s decision to come and play for Inter Miami gave the North American league a big boost.
“It’s definitely huge for our league,” Garber said. The best player in history has chosen MLS, and that’s something we’re excited about. »
Messi is set to make his debut against Cruz Azul on Friday in the League Cup, a CONCACAF tournament that includes MLS teams from the United States and Canada, as well as Mexico’s Liga MX.
Garber was asked what his next dream is for his league.
“We want to be one of the best leagues in the world,” he said. The question is, how do you capture the hearts and minds of fans around the world? »
That’s how Garber will assess success – beyond concerns such as ticket sales, in the wake of Messi’s arrival.
“What will be the real impact for the reputation of the league? added Garber.
The commissioner was asked about the possibility of promotions and relegations in relation to MLS. Not in the near future, he said.
“I don’t think it will happen anytime soon, but you never know,” he said. We will have 30 teams. Maybe at some point we will have more than 30 teams.
“We have this interesting competition with Mexico. Who knows what turn it will take? The minor leagues are developing well [aux États-Unis]. »