Lionel Messi’s time in MLS has reignited criticism that focuses more on his personality than his football. Despite transforming the league commercially, Messi faces constant comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo over his cultural presence and visibility.
Messi arrived at Inter Miami in 2023 and immediately rebuilt his Major League Soccer profile. The league’s attendance has increased by approximately 20% and global streaming numbers have doubled, representing unprecedented international attention.
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The Inter Miami brand also expanded rapidly. ‘Fiji to Anchorage’ fans adopted the club’s pink jerseys and social engagement soared. But not everyone believes Messi has maximized his influence in America.
Former U.S. men’s national team and Inter Miami player Brec Shea has argued that Cristiano Ronaldo could have more cultural resonance in America and better integrate into celebrity culture.
“I don’t mean to disrespect Messi, but Messi seems homely. He’s very quiet. He doesn’t speak the language very well yet,” Sia told USMNT Only. “So I think Ronaldo seems to be more outgoing and doing more things in the public eye.
“So I think if I spoke those words and did the interview, I would have automatically had a bigger impact.
“I’m talking strictly off the field. I don’t know if he would have put up the same numbers, but would he have had a bigger impact? Yes, he would have.”
But data complicates that claim. Messi was recently ranked as the most popular professional athlete in the United States, surpassing LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, becoming the first soccer player and international athlete to do so.
His addition reportedly added more than 10 million new fans to cite an MLS player as their favorite player and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue for the league.
Inter Miami matches have also become celebrity events. Will Smith, LeBron James, Kim Kardashian and Serena Williams are regular attendees, proving Messi’s draw despite limited public access.
“International soccer thinks about its relationship with the media very differently than the North American media,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “I believe every player and every coach should embrace access.”
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Even if Messi’s legacy is secure, his future in Argentina remains an attractive point. As the world’s attention shifts to the next World Cup cycle, debate continues over whether Messi still considers himself part of the national team’s plans.
Messi, who is almost 39 years old, has already answered most questions about football on the pitch. However, the debate continues as he has never officially retired from international duty and remains open to further appearances despite his age, expectations and physical demands.
This idea goes beyond personal ambition. As international tournaments grow in size and visibility, there is growing speculation that major events will still be shaped around Messi’s presence, given his unparalleled draw and enduring importance in the sport.
“It’s special to play for the national team,” Messi told Sport. “Especially in a major official competition, especially considering what the World Cup means after winning the World Cup.
“I don’t want to be a burden. I want to stay in shape so I can help the team and contribute.”
His current club situation introduces new dynamics. Playing in Major League Soccer eliminated the relentless schedule in Europe, allowing for a longer recovery period and a competitive rhythm better suited to the stage of his career.
That structural difference is important. He acknowledged that the MLS calendar includes some meaningful time off, which could potentially allow him to approach international duty sharper, healthier and mentally refreshed compared to recent European seasons.
“Our season is different from the European season,” Messi explained. “There will be a pre-season in between and there will be few games until the World Cup, so we will see how things go day-to-day.”
