“That mentality of winning every single game” - USMNT Hall of Famer DaMarcus Beasley speaks up on Lionel Messi’s influence in MLS
Former USMNT international DaMarcus Beasley has shared his thoughts on Lionel Messi’s transformative influence in Major League Soccer (MLS). He emphasized the Argentine superstar’s winning mentality and its potential ripple effect throughout the league.
Beasley, a member of the USMNT Hall of Fame, lauded Messi for bringing an unparalleled competitive spirit to MLS and setting a standard that could redefine the league’s culture. In an interview with GOAL, Beasley began by acknowledging the uniqueness of Messi's presence in the MLS:
"We're never going to attract Messi again, because, look, there's no one better than Messi. And to be honest, as a fan and as a former player of the league, I'm intrigued to see what they're going to do: what the Apple (TV) deal is going to turn into. From a competitive standpoint, you know, how is that going to change things?"
However, Beasley’s primary focus was on Messi’s competitive mindset, which he believes could inspire a cultural shift within MLS:
"Because you look at the Inter Miami squad, and when Messi was out this past year for those eight, nine games, they won like eight or nine of those. So that mentality of winning every single game, that every single game matters. That's Messi. That's the players from [Luis] Suarez to [Sergio] Busquets and all those guys."
"It's not just about making playoffs. It's about winning. Every single game matters. We can't draw. We have to win. So I think that in itself hopefully can trickle throughout the league and players take more ownership as far as every game has to mean something to them."
"The impact is impossible to measure" - When USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Lionel Messi’s influence in the MLS
Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) has undoubtedly driven the league to unprecedented heights. According to ESPN, Messi’s Inter Miami jersey became the top-selling jersey in the MLS in 2024. Apart from that, the Herons were also able to enter sponsorship agreements with prestigious brands.
Mauricio Pochettino, who shares the same nationality as Lionel Messi and also coached the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), hailed the influence of the former Barcelona man on the MLS. Pochettino said in an interview with CNN Mexico:
"The impact is impossible to measure because it is incredible. Not only on the fans, but on everything. The ability to motivate everyone, the entire structure around him, but the impact of seeing him compete with the players, especially those in the MLS."
"It will have an impact not only in the present, but over time, in the medium and long term. One thing that has been given is having the possibility of having the best player in the world competing there, being able to see him and touch him. I think that generates confidence and the ability to believe in the objectives that can be achieved in the future. Incredible."
While Lionel Messi is in the twilight years of his career, he continues to weave his magic in the MLS as he’s Inter Miami’s all-time top scorer (34).