Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has introduced extra consideration to MLS, with Giorgio Chiellini hailing the influence of the World Cup winner and likening his transfer to when David Beckham arrived.
Former Manchester United, Actual Madrid and England star Beckham left the Spanish capital for LA Galaxy in 2007 because the dazzling midfielder’s transfer captured the imaginations of many in america.
Beckham has since retired and created his personal MLS franchise within the USA, bringing the likes of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to his newly established Miami facet.
Juventus nice Chiellini additionally joined MLS, signing for Los Angeles FC, successful the MLS Cup Closing final yr earlier than defeat on this season’s version on Saturday to Columbus Crew.
And he vouched for the influence of Messi’s transfer to Miami.
“I believe that when Messi joined it was akin to when Beckham joined,” Chiellini informed Stats Carry out.
“And it’s one thing that the league, but in addition the gamers, are very pleased about as a result of there may be quite a lot of chance for the long run.
“What Messi did was large for everybody and now there may be way more consideration for the league, way more consideration and it helps everybody.”
THE GR8TEST
Felicidades, Messi pic.twitter.com/xA0CniIBKU
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 11, 2023
Former Italy centre-back Chiellini introduced his retirement on Monday, with studies suggesting the 39-year-old will transfer again to Juventus to take up a boardroom position.
The European Championship-winning defender will at the least be grateful he doesn’t must face Beckham’s Miami once more subsequent season.
A Messi-inspired Miami powered to a Leagues Cup triumph, with the Argentina captain scoring 10 objectives.
“I don’t know the way each crew might face and beat Miami subsequent yr,” Chiellini added on Miami, who’re reportedly near signing former Barcelona and Liverpool ahead Luis Suarez.
“Luckily this yr I met with Messi after they have been on the backside of the desk after which he had one month out.
“They have been nonetheless a very good crew, it was among the best nights and atmospheres. That’s superb for the league, superb for the way forward for the league.”
