Messi Stunned by North American Soccer Explosion as 'Special' MLS Cup Approaches
FORT LAUDERDALE — As Lionel Messi gears up to compete for his inaugural league championship beyond European borders, the Argentine superstar revealed his astonishment at the fervor for football demonstrated by supporters throughout the United States and Canada.
Upon Messi's arrival in Miami during 2023, he transformed the fortunes of a franchise that had struggled in MLS since their debut 2020 season. His entrance into the league has sparked a dramatic surge in enthusiasm from across North America, the magnitude of which took the World Cup winner by surprise.
With Saturday's MLS Cup championship match against the Vancouver Whitecaps set to be among the most significant in league history, Messi acknowledged his anticipation for something remarkable from the event organizers.
"I was aware of Mexico's passion, but what truly surprised me was the intensity of soccer enthusiasm that exists in the United States and Canada," he revealed in an exclusive interview with MLS Season Pass on Thursday. "I believe there has been substantial growth and meaningful transformation in the fanbase of people who appreciate the spectacle and share genuine passion for the sport.
"Both myself and the supporters, I think, anticipate something exceptional because [in the U.S.] they have a reputation for staging magnificent events, and this represents the pinnacle of soccer competition, so I'm confident they will rise to the occasion and ensure everyone can attend and experience everything."
Messi Hoping for Dream Send-Off for Alba, Busquets
Inter Miami has competed globally since Messi's signing, with the Concacaf Champions Cup bringing the team to Canada, Jamaica, Mexico and throughout the U.S. Additionally, exhibition matches have taken them to Saudi Arabia, Japan, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Peru.
However, few contests will match the importance of Saturday's encounter, which will witness Spanish icons Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets retire from professional football, while Messi, Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul aim to become the inaugural players to possess both an MLS Cup and World Cup championship.
"It would be wonderful for me, for them, for everyone, wouldn't it, if they conclude their careers with a championship and in the most fitting manner," Messi commented about his departing colleagues.
"To secure another trophy and retire with satisfaction while bidding farewell to the United States with a title? That would be truly extraordinary."
Messi Braced for Tough Battle With Thomas Müller
Vancouver knocked Miami out of the Concacaf Champions Cup with a 5–1 aggregate victory in May. Since that defeat, Messi and Miami have discovered their rhythm and acquired another Argentina national team player in De Paul, while Vancouver secured Messi's long-standing rival, Thomas Müller.
"It's wonderful that Müller has joined MLS and the impact this brings, and it's excellent that this championship materialized so we can compete against each other once more," Messi stated.
"We understand it will be an extremely challenging match, and Müller's addition to their squad makes them significantly stronger. He brings greater experience to the contest, to the team, and it will be a truly memorable final, which we hope concludes in our favor."
Messi has been defeated in seven of his eight competitive encounters with Müller, and the MLS Cup represents their first meeting since the 2014 FIFA World Cup final where a championship will be at stake.