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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Argentine moved to America in 2023</li><li>Made stunning impact on &amp; off the field</li><li>Challenge is to cement lasting legacy</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n" rel="sponsored"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

NBA & NFL watch out! Lionel Messi set ‘second biggest sport’ challenge in MLS as Luis Suarez discusses impact of legendary Inter Miami team-mate in the United States

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Inter Miami CF

<p>At present, soccer is considered to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-effect-inter-miami-staggering-social-media-numbers-revealed-mls-side-soar-above-nfl-mls-nba-giants/bltc1643196ac903612" target="_blank">sit fifth on that depth chart</a> behind American football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey. The NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL are, however, being advised to watch their back as Messi and Co are coming.</p><div class="affiliate-button-container theme-1" data-name="Apple TV"><div class="affiliate-button"><img class="logo" height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;"><span class="affiliate-text">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</span></div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" class="affiliate-button-link" target="_blank">Stream games now</a></div>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner moved to the United States in the summer of 2023. He immediately inspired Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup triumph, while <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-lionel-messi-lifts-trophy-46-inter-miami-superstar-most-decorated-player-all-time-inter-miami-supporters-shield-mls-2024/blta5661435124b5e01" target="_blank">claiming Supporters’ Shield and MVP honours</a> last season.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Messi is back for more in 2025, while <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-stay-inter-miami-2026-happy-claim-alexis-mac-allister-argentina-international-future-mls-world-cup-trophy-defence/blte1763b48093403e0 " target="_blank">retaining a 12-month extension option in his contract</a>, and remains the biggest draw in soccer circles to fans across America. He is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/trophy-hunting-lionel-mess-mls-business-deliver-vital-rule-change-inter-miami/blt8a09b7840247cb80" target="_blank">looking to leave a lasting legacy</a>, with the most ambitious of targets being set.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Messi’s Miami colleague Suarez, who he previously worked alongside at Barcelona, has told <a href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/club-world-cup/usa-2025/articles/luis-suarez-inter-miami-interview" target="_blank"><em>FIFA’s official website</em></a> of what can be achieved: “I’d point to the influence that he and other players have had in terms of the youth set-up at Inter Miami and how the academy has grown in recent times. That sets expectation levels for the future with regard to the growth of the game, which isn’t the number-one sport over here.</p><p>“The message that we’re putting out there is a special one and is part of the efforts to see football become at least the second biggest sport in the country - because what with the NBA and the NFL, the competition is fierce – within a few years.”</p>

WHAT LUIS SUAREZ SAID

<p>Messi continues to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-mls-super-bowl-taylor-swift-nfl/blt39d85cdceedca32c" target="_blank">attract supporters and commercial partner</a>s to MLS, but questions do have to be asked of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/building-our-galacticos-david-beckham-and-inter-miami-reveal-transfer-plan-as-mls-outfit-follow-real-madrid-model-in-pursuit-of-next-lionel-messi/blt727a3ee7ee95fe5c " target="_blank">what happens when he moves on</a>? The hope is that enough foundations will have been put in place by then on which to build a sporting brand that stands the test of time.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

NBA & NFL watch out! Lionel Messi set ‘second biggest sport’ challenge in MLS as Luis Suarez discusses impact of legendary Inter Miami team-mate in the United States | Goal.com

Luis Suarez says the impact of Lionel Messi in the U.S. has been so big that MLS should dare to dream of becoming “the second biggest sport”.

NBA &amp; NFL watch out! Lionel Messi set ‘second biggest sport’ challenge in MLS as Luis Suarez discusses impact of legendary Inter Miami team-mate in the United States

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