Lionel Messi’s biggest impact in MLS won’t be on the pitch

The Argentinian's debut for Inter Miami is approaching. But it is the terms of his contract that could change the game in North America in the long term

The symbolism of David Beckham welcoming Lionel Messi on to Inter Miami's pitch as a Major League Soccer player for the first time was unavoidable. Beckham was, after all, the catalyst for the growth of a league that now boasts arguably the greatest player of all time. Messi, who was presented to a crowd of 20,000 Inter Miami fans on Sunday, could now be the catalyst for something more.

There will always be a before and after Lionel Messi," Jorge Mas said in the South Florida rain, which the Inter Miami co-owner poetically called holy water". Even amid the downpour, which threatened to wash out the event, there was a sense that Messi's unveiling marked the start of a new era for MLS. The 36-year-old is expected to make his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul this Friday, although he may not start the match.