In a recent interview in Argentina regarding his availability for the 2026 World Cup, soccer ace Lionel Messi referred to Major League Soccer, his present home, as “a minor league.”
The comment to Star+ came in the context of outlining his goals, which remain focused on fully supporting his national team. Argentina will compete in the Copa America next summer.
“I said it several times and it is a reality — I will always try to compete to the maximum and I am the first to know when I can be there and when I can’t,” he said. “I am also aware that I went to a minor league, but a lot happens because of the way one faces it and competes.”
Messi, who joined Inter Miami during the 2023 season and promptly led the club to a League Cup triumph by scoring 11 goals in 14 games, was an energising element for both the squad and the league, attracting large audiences wherever he played.
Inter Miami missed the MLS playoffs due to a bad start to the season, finishing 9-7-18.