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Lionel Messi's blockbuster move to Inter Miami may have drawn millions of new fans to MLS, but league commissioner Don Garber has maintained that without David Beckham, "there's probably no Major League Soccer."
For newer fans, Beckham's ties to MLS are rooted in south Florida, where he serves as a co-owner of defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami. The Manchester United icon is frequently spotted in a suit and tie, watching from the stands at Nu Stadium as Messi and company dazzle crowds both in attendance and across the globe.
But long before he became an owner, Beckham was the biggest name to ever grace an MLS pitch. Following four seasons at Real Madrid, the England international made his jaw-dropping move to LA Galaxy in 2007, thrusting the MLS club—and the entire league—into the spotlight in a way that had never been achieved before.
Even 19 years on, Garber continues to credit Beckham with establishing MLS as an attractive destination for European talent. "David put this league on the path to credibility and respect. In the prime of his career, he came to LA," he said, via ESPN.
"He came into Major League Soccer and showed the world that this league can be competitive, it could be respected, it could be fun, it could have great players.
"It attracted [Thierry] Henry and many, many other players right after that, so without David there's probably no Major League Soccer."
The Stars That Followed Beckham
Beckham helped guide LA Galaxy to the summit of MLS, partnering with Landon Donovan to claim two MLS Cups during his time with the Black & Gold. As the world tuned in to watch the six-time Premier League champion dominate the league, others began to see playing soccer in the United States as a genuine opportunity.
As Garber noted, Henry eventually arrived and suited up for Red Bull New York. Though he never lifted an MLS Cup, he still helped the club claim the 2013 Supporters' Shield.
Robbie Keane also made the journey, linking up with Beckham in L.A. where he captured three MLS Cups and was named the 2014 MLS MVP. His achievements were something Kaká could only envy during his difficult spell with Orlando City.
Frank Lampard and David Villa joined forces at New York City FC. Didier Drogba tested his fortunes at CF Montréal, much like Steven Gerrard did at LA Galaxy.
Wayne Rooney briefly called D.C. home, while Zlatan Ibrahimović spent two seasons with the Galaxy. Gareth Bale's high-profile arrival at LAFC lasted just 13 appearances, though he did pick up an MLS Cup along the way.
Despite varying levels of success, these superstars all helped raise MLS's profile in world soccer—but Messi made it truly explode.
Messi Carried on Beckham's Torch
For all the praise Garber directed at Beckham, he naturally had to extend some to Messi as well. After all, the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient remains the finest player to represent the league, even in the latter stages of his career.
"Major League Soccer would not be the global phenomenon and not be sort of on the hearts and minds of just about anybody in the world without Leo Messi," Garber said.
Indeed, Messi helped propel MLS to unprecedented heights. Shortly after his arrival at Inter Miami, the wave of superstars crossing the Atlantic to compete in North America grew even larger. Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez all united at the Herons—and delivered the club its first-ever MLS Cup last season.
Rodrigo De Paul departed Atlético Madrid to join the cause, and Casemiro made south Florida his new home this summer after parting ways with Manchester United. Further west, Robert Lewandowski leads the line for Chicago Fire and Son Heung-min is the marquee name at LAFC. Thomas Müller also recently extended his stint with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Even after Messi eventually hangs up his boots, his influence on MLS will resonate for many years to come. A wave of new supporters are now tuning in to watch not only the Argentine maestro, but all the other stars who have transformed a once-overlooked league into the premier division in North America.
If Garber gets his way, Harry Kane will be the next marquee name to make his mark on the league.