America’s elite competition has fallen under the brightest of spotlights after seeing eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi head to Inter Miami. Domestic action in the United States is now pulling in a global audience, but their leading man will not be around forever and rule changes may be required in order for Major League Soccer to compete with the Premier League and Saudi Pro League for future superstar additions.
Ex-USMNT goalkeeper Howard, who spent time in Europe and the States during his playing days, has told the Daily Mail: “In sports, I like the hunted vs. the hunters. The dynasties. The Big Six in the Premier – there’s something special about that. People would argue that parity is fun because – year to year – you don’t know what you’re going to get. But, ultimately, we like villains and heroes. The haves and the have nots. Is there a way to bring that to Major League Soccer? To have two, three or four Super Teams, all playing simultaneously? Marquee teams, with top players, who are able to entice former team-mates to come over. Inter Miami has done it with Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and now Luis Suarez. I think that’s the way. Miami can drag the rest of MLS upward – the league will flourish because of Messi and the commercial success and the branding. While you have that, you have to just drill it from every side. But Messi is 36 – if he goes in a couple of years, and Busquets, Alba and Suarez go with him, what next? We have to strike while the iron’s hot. We have Messi, then the 2026 World Cup, then the fallout. We’re talking about a five-year space when you can really capitalise. You’re going to have the best people in the world, the biggest television rights, the biggest sponsors, the best players – all in America. Then, afterwards, an opportunity to get the three or four best players in the world. That has to be the next goal. And that means loosening the salary cap.”
Howard added on the need to be able to offer contracts that convince players to shun the riches on offer in the Middle East, where the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Neymar are currently playing: “For the 2024 season, the budget for MLS clubs is $5.47million, with the average player earning no more than $683,750 a year. Cristiano Ronaldo nearly makes that in a DAY in Saudi Arabia. $220m a year… it’s crazy money. And, over in England, Premier League champions Manchester City spent more than $500m on player wages last season. If I’m an owner of an MLS team, and I’m into it for half a billion dollars, I should be able to spend money creating a superpower. Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle – there are major cities with everything you need. Now the United States is in a battle with Saudi Arabia to be the next big destination outside of Europe. The Saudi Pro League has done some really good things – big names have gone over and many are flourishing. If MLS teams are going to compete, you have to allow them to sign bigger and better players. More money, more eyes. Globally-recognised teams are built off the back of individuals. The face could change every five years but you’re still drawn to players. Miami is building that now. The question is: can you get more of those players? If you can, you start to build that brand. Take Barcelona. If someone leaves, you’re not going to say: ‘I’m not watching them anymore.’ Because you already know they’re going to bring the next one in. That’s the only way to get globally-recognized. Can Miami do that when Messi leaves? Because it’s won’t be very long until he does. Can they already have a sustainable model where they know who they’re going after? Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, someone in that realm – the next best thing. MLS must find a way of allowing its teams to become global powerhouses. And they must do it now.”
