Lionel Messi is not the first global soccer superstar to come ashore in America near the end of a marvelous career.
In the 1970s and ’80s, North American Soccer League’s imports included Pelé, Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer. MLS has welcomed David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Didier Drogba, among many others.
The world’s game requires a world’s cast, and with most elite talent found abroad, U.S. leagues have always looked beyond borders to boost credibility and raise visibility.
But Inter Miami’s move for Messi — which still lacks a signed contract and a debut date — feels a whole lot different than the glamour signings of the past.