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News, Blog and GuidesNelson Rodríguez, vice president of the MLS, spoke about the state of the league, Lionel Messi and the impact the Argentine has generated.
Bryan ArellanoBryxn_APaul Reidypaulreidy67Update: Sep 24th, 2023 15:40 EDT
MLS
Nelson Rodríguez, MLS vice president spoke to Miami based outlet Infobae and analysed several different topics relating to the league, the arrival of Lionel Messi and where soccer in the United States is going.
Don Garber’s right hand man was frank and forthright confirming that MLS has been given a massive global profile boost with the arrival of Lionel Messi.
What influence will Leo Messi have after signing?Nelson Rodriguez (MLS Executive Vice President of Product): “He's had a huge impact. At Apple, with whom we have the deal this year, the three most watched games are Messi's first three. In Los Angeles, a ticket to see Messi cost… pic.twitter.com/NQ8ec51T7t
— leomessi_goatnews (@LeoGoatNews) September 7, 2023
“We are advancing much faster than we thought, basically because of his arrival (Messi). It is a true revolution and much more than we expected. This impact that will undoubtedly be felt for years,” he commented.
“The relevance in which MLS has taken off in general media is impressive and so much of this of course is due to Leo. But we are trying to be in the photo, so that this media opening allows us to showcase the entire league. We want to ensure that whoever comes to see Messi play will fall in love with the likes of Cremaschi, or Campana, that’s the idea,” he added.
El vicepresidente de la MLS, con Infobae: los detalles del impacto del desembarco de Messi y la polémica del césped sintético | Por Julián Mozo https://t.co/4aEVc8EpR3
— Infobae América (@infobaeamerica) September 24, 2023
Rodriguez was asked about what is the most important thing about having someone like the Argentine star in Major League Soccer is.
“Many things, above all credibility and enormous growth potential in every sense, especially in popularity. We have a global chance that perhaps we did not anticipate being so big and we need to react quickly. We have to continue doing basic work and our current focus is on the United States and Canada. We want to grow there first and build good foundations. But at the same time it’s important that we don’t rush into taking steps for which we are not prepared,” he argued.
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Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami JOE RAEDLEAFP
“We are already reaching more than 100 countries with Apple TV, we have improved infrastructure and we continue to advance with new stadiums and training centers. I do firmly believe that we are becoming a soccer country, but there is a lack of culture in several cities. And that is something that cannot be bought but has to be generated over time”, he added.
The Inter Miami boom
“Inter Miami are going ‘all in’, today they are investing 135 million in its training center, which will have much more than fields. It is a project that goes beyond football, with a hotel, restaurant and other attractions.”
Speaking on fans who attend an MLS game for the first time, Rodríguez stated.
“We know that we must capture the fan who goes to a game for the first time. We need to capture their imagination with a total experience, from the game to everything that happens in the stands, outside, everything. Let them leave saying ‘I have to return’”.
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Inter Miami fans celebrate a goal CARMEN MANDATOAFP
The former Chicago Fire executive was also asked about competition with the Saudi Arabian League, who made a major statement with big name summer signings.
