Chiellini likens Messi impact in Miami to Beckham arrival as MLS gains traction

Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has brought more attention to MLS, with Giorgio Chiellini hailing the impact of the World Cup winner and likening his move to when David Beckham arrived.

Former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England star Beckham left the Spanish capital for LA Galaxy in 2007 as the dazzling midfielder’s move captured the imaginations of many in the United States.

Beckham has since retired and created his own MLS franchise in the USA, bringing the likes of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to his newly established Miami side.

Juventus great Chiellini also joined MLS, signing for Los Angeles FC, winning the MLS Cup Final last year before defeat in this season’s edition on Saturday to Columbus Crew.

And he vouched for the impact of Messi’s move to Miami.

“I think that when Messi joined it was comparable to when Beckham joined,” Chiellini told Stats Perform.

“And it’s something that the league, but also the players, are very happy about because there is a lot of possibility for the future.

“What Messi did was huge for everyone and now there is much more consideration for the league, much more attention and it helps everyone.”

THE GR8TEST

Felicidades, Messi pic.twitter.com/xA0CniIBKU

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 11, 2023

Former Italy centre-back Chiellini announced his retirement on Monday, with reports suggesting the 39-year-old will move back to Juventus to take up a boardroom role.

The European Championship-winning defender will at least be thankful he does not have to face Beckham’s Miami again next season.

A Messi-inspired Miami powered to a Leagues Cup triumph, with the Argentina captain scoring 10 goals.

“I don’t know how every team could face and beat Miami next year,” Chiellini added on Miami, who are reportedly close to signing former Barcelona and Liverpool forward Luis Suarez.

“Fortunately this year I met with Messi when they were at the bottom of the table and then he had one month out.

“They were still a really good team, it was one of the best nights and atmospheres. That’s very good for the league, very good for the future of the league.”