The last-placed team in the MLS Eastern Conference standings has signed a new player who is set to hugely increase the profile of soccer in the United States — global superstar Lionel Messi.
Messi is arguably (and there have been arguments!) the greatest player of his generation and, unlike many of the big-name players who ended their careers in America in the past, he is still operating at an extremely high level at the age of 36, as demonstrated by him being named FIFA men’s player of the year for 2022.
His signing was made official this weekend and is a real coup for the Inter Miami franchise co-owned by former England star David Beckham. He is set to be presented to fans at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale at 8:00 pm ET on Sunday and make his Miami debut against LIGA MX club Cruz Azul on Friday night in the Leagues Cup.
So what can American soccer fans expect to see and what are the odds that the soccer GOAT can bring success to the team at the bottom of the MLS standings?