During one of Lionel Messi’s initial road games in the U.S. with Inter Miami in 2023, renowned soccer journalist Paul Tenorio noticed the atmosphere outside the Renaissance Plano Hotel was surprisingly calm. A few fans were lingering, but there was no chaos—at least not yet.
Then rumors began to circulate about Messi being inside the hotel.
Before long, the scene shifted dramatically. The lobby buzzed with excitement, the entrance was overrun, and every floor overflowed with fans. Tenorio recalled being in an elevator that halted at each level, where eager followers rushed in. As the doors opened, he found himself pressing every button, anxious to spot the soccer legend.
In his book, “The Messi Effect: How a World Legend Changed the Future of American Soccer,” Tenorio explores what he calls the “Messi effect,” describing it as a blend of athletic prowess, rock star status, and nearly a spiritual experience. “By all accounts, Messi has been an overwhelming success in Major League Soccer (MLS),” he noted.
Messi, born in June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, faced significant hurdles in his youth due to a growth hormone deficiency that threatened his soccer career. At 13, his family moved to Spain when FC Barcelona agreed to support his treatment and development. From these modest beginnings, he skyrocketed to international fame, earning accolades and solidifying his legacy as one of soccer’s greatest players.
After 18 years dominating at Barcelona, he shifted to Paris Saint-Germain, only to leave for Inter Miami, part of MLS and co-owned by David Beckham.
Tenorio mentioned that Messi’s arrival was a dream come true for a league striving for more recognition and quality. “He’s hugely popular globally, and Americans are drawn to top athletes. They want authenticity, and his presence marks growth in soccer culture here,” he explained.
What makes Messi’s impact particularly remarkable is his contrasting personality—he’s introverted and private, avoiding media interactions and rarely speaking English. This is in stark contrast to his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who thrives in the spotlight.
While Ronaldo, now 41, exudes confidence and charisma, Messi opts for a quieter life off the field. His achievements fulfill a different narrative: numerous league titles, cups, Champions League victories, and a World Cup with Argentina. He’s also won eight Ballon d’Or awards—three more than Ronaldo.
However, while Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia for a whopping $230 million yearly salary, Messi decided to bring his talents to the U.S. He signed a contract in July 2023 worth $150 million, also securing advantageous revenue-sharing agreements with Apple TV and Adidas.
MLS has seen its fair share of stars, but many were past their prime. Messi, even at 38, sets a higher bar for himself. “I don’t mean to be rude, but we can’t have a subpar season or lose without a trophy,” Tenorio stated.
Although Messi’s current contract extends until 2028, questions loom about his future and what lies ahead for MLS after his exit. He’s made it clear he isn’t interested in coaching or commentary, which poses a challenge for the league as it grapples with retaining the fans he’s drawn in.
Tenorio raised the point of how MLS must reflect on its identity and future. “If we improve the quality of our league, we could become the leading league in North America,” he said. He emphasized the need for changes in roster rules to allow for a stronger league, building not just around players like Messi but entire teams.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches and Messi aims to cement his international legacy, the focus may be shifting from enhancing MLS to securing a place in soccer history that remains unmatched.
