• Loading stock data...
Thursday, July 10, 2025

Messi Champions MLS Growth Before Leagues Cup Final

  • Messi believes MLS can be just as competitive as top leagues in Europe.
  • The superstar confirmed that pitches with artificial turf won’t stop him from playing.
Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Messi keeps delivering for MLS fans and financial stakeholders.

Inter Miami faces Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final on Saturday — and seats at the 30,000-seat Geodis Park are selling for as high as $8,000 on secondary markets. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET and will be streamed on Apple TV.

In his first Inter Miami press conference on Thursday, Messi gave the surprising revelation that he’ll play in matches even if there isn’t a natural grass surface — something many had expected him not to do.

“The truth is my youth was spent on artificial turf,” Messi explained. “My whole life was on that pitch. Truth is, it’s been a while since I’ve played on artificial turf, but I have no problem adapting myself again.”

That’s good news for fans in Atlanta and Charlotte — the two MLS cities on Inter Miami’s remaining road schedule with artificial playing surfaces. Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Bank of America Stadium could see around 70,000 fans each at full capacity. Four other MLS venues have artificial turf.

MLS Can Get Bigger

Messi also showed bullish support for MLS, saying it “has every opportunity” to be as competitive as European leagues. 

“It’s an ideal moment to grow,” he said. “There are important competitions upcoming that will be played in this country.” The U.S. will host the 2024 Copa America, 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2026 World Cup — all of which could feature Messi playing for Argentina or Inter Miami.

Messi thinks that “it’s time for the league to make that leap and finish growing. Everything is in place here to witness top-level football.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

The Suns changed their head coach for the fourth time in four years.

Deion Sanders Rips ‘Bulljunk’ in CFB, Calls for NFL-Style Salary Cap

Coach Prime is frustrated with the new revenue-sharing era.

Murphy: Club WC Snags Won’t Derail Biggest Event ‘in Human History’

New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium is the concluding site of both FIFA events.

NFL’s Alternate Uniforms Fuel Big Business—and Lots of Nostalgia

The Commanders kick off a run of new NFL helmets and uniforms.

Featured Today

Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Amanda Anisimova of the United States celebrates winning her match against Aryna Sabalenka on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 10, 2025

Amanda Anisimova Stuns Sabalenka to Reach Wimbledon Final, Clinches $2M

The American’s Wimbledon run will continue with her first major final.
Hall of Fame Open at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport.
July 10, 2025

Andy Roddick Slams Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Pro Tennis Gambit

“This was the biggest joke I’ve ever watched in professional tennis.”
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) defends Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the second half at United Center.
July 9, 2025

Why Are the NBA’s Biggest Restricted Free Agents Still Unsigned?

Draymond Green said the new CBA is responsible for ending free agency.
July 9, 2025

Jokić Declined a Contract Extension, but the Nuggets Shouldn’t Panic

Jokić still has three years remaining on his current contract.
Jul 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at PNC Park.
July 8, 2025

MLB ASG Missing Many Highly Paid Stars, Clearing Path for Youth

Many of MLB’s top earners are not part of the Midsummer Classic.
Jonas
July 8, 2025

Jonas Valančiūnas Is Cryptic About Nuggets Standoff in Lithuania

The Nuggets expect Valančiūnas to honor his NBA contract.