MLS is in a “healthy” state and can survive without Lionel Messi, says Terry Phelan, but the Saudi Pro League does remain a problem.
- Argentine GOAT moved to America in 2023
- Brought more eyes to the domestic game in U.S.
- Questions being asked of his future in Florida
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Argentine GOAT Messi moved to America in 2023 when linking up with Manchester United legend David Beckham at Inter Miami. He helped to deliver a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Herons have savoured Supporters’ Shield glory since then, with Messi claiming MVP honours, while also gracing the FIFA Club World. Questions are, however, being asked of how long their iconic No.10 will be sticking around.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Messi is yet to trigger a 12-month extension option in his contract, taking him through the 2026 World Cup, with speculation building regarding a potential move elsewhere – with big-spending teams in the Saudi Pro League reportedly ready to reunite him with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
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WHAT PHELAN SAID
The riches on offer in the Middle East are making it hard for MLS teams to compete for the biggest of names, but Terry Phelan believes more stars will head to the States. A man that spent time with Charleston Battery in his playing days, speaking with bookmaker , told GOAL when asked if the MLS bubble will burst without Messi: “I don’t think it bursts. You have had [Didier] Drogba over there, you’ve had [Thierry] Henry, had Beckham over there. It never burst.
“I think MLS is healthy. Look at the numbers, if you look at the attendances, it’s healthy. They have got the World Cup coming next year. I think it’s in a healthy state.
“There will always be one or two stars. You might get a [Robert] Lewandowski over there, coming to the end of his career. There are still those players about at the end of their careers that might go over there – like [Luis] Suarez has gone over there at the end of his career. You will always pick somebody up like that who will regenerate and excite the fan base.”
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