Lionel Messi has been regularly credited with soccer’s growth in the United States since his move to Inter Miami in 2023. The Argentine legend has now admitted he has seen the growth, but wants a key change to the Leagues Cup soon to improve things.
Lionel Messi Suggests Key Leagues Cup Change
Messi kick-started his career in the United States with stunning performances in the Leagues Cup, but the Argentine believes there needs to be a change in the competition. He wants matches to be held in Mexico as well, since Liga MX teams are also involved in the tournament.
He hinted that soccer is more appreciated in Mexico than in the United States, as the sport has been on the rise there for longer. The Argentine believes the process is going smoothly in America as well, and they are slowly catching up.
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He said on the “Miro de Atrás” podcast:
“Football in North America is growing, especially in the United States, since in Mexico it is more consolidated, but it is also evolving, these are processes, it doesn’t happen overnight. A change that I think is necessary is in the Leagues Cup, MLS teams have an advantage playing at home.”
ESPN has reported that MLS and Liga MX are in talks to play Leagues Cup matches in Mexico this year. The first three editions have been played entirely in the United States, and now expansion talks have begun, but it remains unclear whether Canada will also host matches.
Inter Miami won the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023, just weeks after Messi joined the club on a free transfer from PSG. They were knocked out of the tournament in the Round of 16 in 2024, while finishing as runners-up in 2025 after losing 3-0 to Seattle Sounders.
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Messi’s influence on MLS and US Soccer has not gone unnoticed, with Son Heung-Min crediting the Argentine for his move to LAFC. He spoke to the media last week, admitting that the Barcelona legend’s transfer and performances at Inter Miami played a role.
“We are very lucky to watching Lionel Messi playing football. Same generation watching him playing, scoring so many goals, and joining MLS. I think he will affect so many players, and it also affects me [because] of what he done for his club and for his country. He also changed my mind… I’m very lucky to share the same pitch as him.”
Son joined LAFC last summer for $26.5 million from Tottenham – a record for an incoming transfer to the MLS.
