The designated player rule served its purpose. It allowed the league to bring better players to its teams and to use celebrity to create a sort of cachet and credibility, both within the game and with fans. But as the league has changed, it has been slow to adapt to the increase in teams and, more importantly, the increasing cost of doing business in global soccer. The designated player rule isn’t enough for MLS to keep up. If anything. the rules as they stand present very real limitations to the on-field product.
There’s still no official word on Messi joining the team from Inter Miami themselves. What if he joins as just a part owner and not a player? I don’t understand how one of the best players in the world would settle to play for Inter who’s currently ranked last in MLS.
Because he doesn’t really care about winning in MLS. This is about expanding his brand and for him and his family to live in Miami.
He could just move to Miami without joining MLS as a player.
That doesn’t expand his brand and also means he’s giving up a ton of money.
And of course he’d like to win but it’s not like he really cares whether he wins an MLS Cup or CONCACAF Champions League.
There’s no big money in MLS. The highest paid player is making $8.2 million.
https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/lists/mls-players-salary-2023-top-25-highest-paid/
Messi is not just some regular MLS player.