Messi Effect Takes MLS to a New Level as European Stars Arrive

Major European football stars are increasingly turning to Major League Soccer (MLS), with the arrival of Lionel Messi in the United States widely seen as a major turning point for the league.Before Messi joined Inter Miami, MLS attracted relatively limited global attention. But the league has gradually become a destination for high-profile players. This season, that transformation has become even more visible, with Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski, Alexis Sanchez and Casemiro among the latest big names to move to the United States.France’s 2018 World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann joined Orlando City on July 13. He made an immediate impact, scoring in his debut as Orlando defeated San Jose Earthquakes 4-0. The goal was the French forward’s 300th in club football.Polish striker Robert Lewandowski had already joined MLS after leaving Barcelona at the end of June. The 37-year-old moved to Chicago Fire and scored twice in his third appearance against Charlotte, helping his new team secure a 2-1 victory. During his prolific European career, Lewandowski scored 55 goals for Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 season.Chile international Alexis Sanchez has also joined the MLS, signing a two-year deal with Montreal. One of the most notable additions is Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who joined Messi’s Inter Miami after spending nearly a decade at Real Madrid and winning numerous trophies. His contract runs until the end of next season.Several other familiar names have also arrived. Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Sergi Roberto joined LA Galaxy, while former Manchester United and Villarreal defender Eric Bailly moved to Columbus Crew.MLS also welcomed Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller and South Korean star Son Heung-min last year. Earlier this year, Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez joined Minnesota United.The arrival of major stars in MLS is not entirely new. In 2015, players such as Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Kaka and Didier Drogba moved to the US league.However, MLS gained a new level of global attention after Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba followed him to the club, helping Inter Miami win its first major trophy.The current transfer window will remain open until September 2. With several weeks still remaining, football fans will be watching to see whether more European stars make the move across the Atlantic.For now, the arrivals of Griezmann, Lewandowski, Sanchez and Casemiro have made the star power of MLS more prominent than ever.