MLS commissioner Don Garber has confirmed clubs within the league have been showing an interest in signing Lionel Messi.
Messi’s current contract with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the 2022/23 season, leading to much speculation about his future.
As mentioned in 90min, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will not rush his decision, he has plenty of destinations to consider.
Barcelona are believed to be interested in bringing Messi back to the club where he has scored an incredible 672 goals in 778 games while winning multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.
However, 90min understands that Inter Miami is among the MLS clubs with the available finances and desire to bring Messi across the Atlantic Ocean in what would be a landmark deal for the league.
While attending the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Garber was asked about the possibility of Messi joining MLS and what it could mean for soccer in North America.
“There was interest in Messi. But we believe a lot in the formality of the rules, so at the moment he has a contract and then he will decide what to do,” said the MLS commissioner.
“It would be fantastic to have someone like him in our Championship, someone of his stature who can offer a global platform to talk about MLS, even beyond our own countries.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear more voices about Messi in particular.”
Wherever Messi is mentioned, Cristiano Ronaldo is not left behind. Now a free agent after leaving Manchester United, the Portuguese icon is sure to see his own name linked to MLS in the coming weeks.
However, Garber was a bit more reserved when discussing MLS’ interest in Ronaldo.
“I’ve heard all the rumors going around these days, although none specifically about Ronaldo,” he said. “I’m sure sooner or later there will be rumors about him as well, but I can’t comment on whether one or the other team is really interested in him.”
