Lionel Messi Puts an End to Retirement League Speculation in MLS, as USMNT Star Tim Parker and Inter Miami Rival Embrace Shift in 'Old Guys' Conversation
In 2023, Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, made a bold move to chase the American dream, leaving Paris Saint-Germain as his contract ended. While renowned figures like David Beckham had already ventured to the States, Messi's arrival set a new standard for top-tier players joining Major League Soccer (MLS) while still in their prime.
Tim Parker, a U.S. international playing for St. Louis City SC, sees Messi's move as a positive development, putting an end to the tiresome debates surrounding MLS being a retirement league. In an interview with FOX News Digital, Parker expressed his perspective, saying, “I think Messi coming over is obviously the biggest one, the biggest name. He’s still playing for Argentina. Originally, people assumed that this and that was a retirement league when elderly men would visit. But he’s still playing for Argentina, he’s still scoring goals on the international stage."
Parker emphasized the need to reassess the notion of MLS as a retirement league, highlighting Messi's continued success both in MLS and on the international stage. He believes the old stereotype no longer holds, stating, "So I think we have to really rationalize that thought process of guys coming over here as a ‘retirement league’ because that’s just not the way it is anymore.”
Looking ahead to their encounter with Messi's squad at DRV PNK Stadium on June 1, Parker acknowledged the challenge but stressed the importance of maintaining focus for the entire match. He acknowledged the heightened difficulty when facing the "best player ever" and the star-studded supporting cast, including Suarez, Busquets, and Alba. Parker noted, “It will definitely be a tall task, but it’s something that requires focus for 90-plus minutes."
Messi's presence in MLS has significantly elevated the league's profile, attracting a global audience. Inter Miami's ongoing historic international pre-season tour is expected to further expand opportunities for domestic rivals in the future. The impact of Messi's decision to join MLS extends beyond the field, contributing to the league's growing prominence on the global stage.
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