The imminent arrival of Lionel Messi in MLS has monopolized much of the media attention in recent weeks. And that is completely understandable.
While everyone was called upon to comment on this shock news, the consensus was made in the world of Canadian soccer: it is a smoking blow for the league and the continent. A bit like when the Beatles arrived in the United States, the gallery and the supporters were in ecstasy.
“Congratulations to MLS if this comes to fruition,” John Herdman, head coach of the Canadian men’s team, said during media availability last Wednesday.
“Stadiums are going to be sold out… I think people are going to buy season tickets just to see Messi. It is a chance for this part of the world. »
The Maple Leaf coach thinks it’s a big step that confirms the progression of the circuit in terms of notoriety and talent.
“I think MLS just keeps growing and growing and growing,” he said. Every year you see new teams, better facilities, a better level of play, a more competitive style of play. We saw the Italians [Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi] arrive in Toronto. We’ve seen Messi arrive at a club that he’s going to transform – the fan base, the interest in him. »
“But we saw that with [David] Beckham. We’ve seen it with some top players who have come here and really contributed to the league. So it is the hope, the dream of all of us that he comes and lights up the championship like Zlatan [Ibrahimović] did in his first season. »
Same story for CF Montreal driver Hernán Losada, who couldn’t be more excited by the arrival of his fellow Argentinian.
“It feels good for MLS, for all that Messi can give,” he said. It will make soccer grow even more. I am happy with the big step that MLS, a very professional league, has taken. Every year, very good players come to improve the league. It feels good ! »
As of this writing, it is not yet clear what sporting legacy Lionel Messi will leave behind after his time in MLS. His arrival, like David Beckham, could cause changes in the rather restrictive regulations of the Garber circuit.
However, in the immediate future, Olivier Renard, vice-president and chief sports officer of CF Montreal, is concentrating on the sporting plan and this arrival does not in any way modify the strategy of the club.
“I think for the league it’s something exceptional. […] Everyone would like a player like Messi. He comes to a rival club, but for the league it is major. It will remain someone difficult to face.
“It’s a pride to be in a league where players like this want to come. Yeah, okay, he’s old and he’s not the 23-year-old Messi anymore, but he’s still someone a lot of clubs would love to have. For us, it does not change much, we will keep the plan that I was asked to do here. »
