Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023 sent shockwaves through the football world, marking one of the most monumental signings in the league’s history. The Argentine icon, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport, joined Inter Miami and immediately transformed the team’s fortunes. On the pitch, Messi led Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup title and secured the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, cementing his status as a game-changer. Off the pitch, his presence has elevated the MLS’s global profile, drawing unprecedented attention to the league. Yet, despite these remarkable achievements, MLS legend Landon Donovan believes Messi’s legacy in the league will never surpass that of his former teammate, David Beckham.
Messi’s impact since joining Inter Miami has been undeniable. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner brought his trademark brilliance to the MLS, dazzling fans with his vision, skill, and goal-scoring prowess. His leadership helped Inter Miami claim their first major trophies, though the coveted MLS Cup remains elusive. With his contract extending through the 2025 MLS season, Messi has at least one more year to add to his on-field legacy, and there’s even talk of him staying longer. Beyond his performances, Messi’s arrival has boosted ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and global viewership, making him a transformative figure for the league’s growth.
However, Landon Donovan, one of the MLS’s all-time greats, argues that David Beckham’s influence on the league remains unmatched. Speaking on The Cooligans Podcast, Donovan reflected on the legacies of both global superstars, emphasizing Beckham’s deep and lasting connection to the MLS. “David Beckham understood [the league’s importance] at a really high level,” Donovan said, highlighting Beckham’s commitment to growing the MLS during and after his playing career. Unlike Messi, whose impact is primarily tied to his on-field exploits, Beckham’s contributions extend far beyond the pitch.
Beckham, who joined the LA Galaxy in 2007, was a pioneer in elevating the MLS’s global stature. His arrival brought mainstream attention to the league, attracting new fans and paving the way for other high-profile signings. But Donovan points out that Beckham’s legacy is not just about his playing days. As a co-owner of Inter Miami, Beckham has remained deeply invested in the league’s development, shaping its future through his influence as a businessman and ambassador. “David also became an owner and is deeply tied to the league,” Donovan noted, underscoring Beckham’s multifaceted role in the MLS’s evolution.
Donovan also touched on a controversial moment involving Messi: the Argentine’s absence from the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. Donovan expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of such events for the league’s visibility. “These events are so crucial for the league because eyeballs are watching, new eyeballs are watching… people who idolize him want to see him,” he said. The MLS faced a delicate situation, suspending Messi for missing the game while balancing the need to keep their biggest star happy. Donovan’s comments suggest that Beckham, known for embracing such high-profile moments, set a different standard for engagement with the league’s broader goals.
While Messi’s brilliance continues to captivate fans, Donovan’s perspective highlights a key distinction: Beckham’s legacy is rooted in his long-term commitment to the MLS’s growth, both as a player and an owner. Messi’s on-field heroics and star power have undoubtedly raised the league’s profile, but Beckham’s transformative influence—spanning nearly two decades—remains unparalleled. As the MLS continues to evolve, the debate over whose legacy will endure may linger, but for Donovan, the answer is clear: Beckham’s impact is in a league of its own.