Messi's Mas appeal can make MLS a top-two league, claims Miami owner

Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas believes Major League Soccer can become a top-two division in world football thanks to Lionel Messi's arrival.

The Argentine superstar, 35, is heading Stateside when his Paris Saint-Germain contract runs out at the end of the month.

And Mas — a member of an ownership group that includes David Beckham — believes the World Cup winner's talent and global reputation will provide a massive boost for Miami and United States football in general.

He said "I think there will always be a before and after Messi when we talk about the sport in the United States. 

"I have a very, very strong-held belief that we can create in North America and the United States if not the greatest league, one of the top two leagues in the world. 

"I cannot over emphasize the magnitude of this announcement. Having the world's greatest player here is something that is significant for our league, and for the football ecosystem in the United States.

"Lionel Messi is coming to this country to win cups and make a difference. I think it's incumbent upon myself and my partners in the league, the other owners, to seize the moment."

Miami are expanding their stadium's capacity to around 22,000 and enhancing security measures ahead of Messi's first game, which is set to be a Leagues Cup clash with Cruz Azul on July 21.

Former team-mates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Angel Di Maria have all been linked with the MLS outfit, who are without a manager following Phil Neville's sacking.

Mas added: "Lionel Messi is going to be the greatest ambassador and recruiter in the history of Major League Soccer. 

"His mere presence in this league is going to be attracting talent of all ages and all levels. It is, I think, a tremendous and unprecedented opportunity that we have ahead of us."

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