8 votes

How MLS roster construction is evolving as Lionel Messi shines in the spotlight

Posted by kovboydan
Tags: usa, major league soccer, rosters, athletes, lionel messi, inter miami, author.paul tenorio, author.tom bogert, source.theathletic, paywall
https://theathletic.com/5295462/2024/02/23/mls-messi-roster-construction/

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Title
As Messi and aging stars shine in the spotlight, MLS continues its youth movement
Authors
Paul Tenorio and Tom Bogert
Word count
2464 words

7 comments

  1. [5]
    Power0utage
    Link
    Some of my unordered observations, having really dived into MLS in the past year or so: On Messi: The league is milking him for all he's worth right now, and you really can't blame them. But, many...

    Some of my unordered observations, having really dived into MLS in the past year or so:

    1. On Messi: The league is milking him for all he's worth right now, and you really can't blame them. But, many people have become disillusioned or balk at the constant marketing around him/Inter Miami. Taylor Twellman seems like he is going to explode every time Messi gets a touch. Hopefully there have been significant "gains" league-wide (in terms of attracting new talent abroad and from the young'ins) because as soon as Messi's gone, this component of marketing for the MLS will vanish entirely.
    2. On the other Miami transfers: Busquets, Alba, and Vampire, even with being some of the greatest players from the recent past, haven't really moved the needle like Messi or Beckham have. Apparently, nothing short of a superstar on the world soccer stage will attract American viewership when there are so many other sports options.
    3. The league is really fun to watch, but I miss seeing defense. I'm not sure what the solution is to this and I've been told over and over again that we Americans love to see high scoring games so it's in our blood and best interests to keep the attacks strong and defenses weak.
    4. I really hate the way the MLS is handling the US Open cup. On the other hand, I really did have a blast watching the Leagues Cup last year. If only the US Open could get the pomp and marketing dollars that Apple poured into Leagues last year, it might have a better chance at surviving. But, I get it -- there's not a lot of media money in airing a soccer team Minot, ND playing someone from Midland, TX.
    5. I would love to see more inter-league games to see how MLS teams stack up against the elites. NOT MLS Allstars vs. Arsenal or friendlies.
    6. After a year of indecision, I think I'm finally settling on FC Dallas as my team. Nashville and LAFC are runners up because I really like some of the players, but I have no roots or loyalty to either. Hani Mukhtar has been my favorite player to watch because of his talent as well as his upbeat personality.
    5 votes
    1. [3]
      Jerutix
      Link Parent
      I am a fan of your excellent taste in choosing FC Dallas! I have not been actively engaged with anything soccer for a few years, but I've still got that FCD jersey in the closet. Having MLS on...

      I am a fan of your excellent taste in choosing FC Dallas! I have not been actively engaged with anything soccer for a few years, but I've still got that FCD jersey in the closet. Having MLS on Apple TV has almost made me start paying attention again - we'll see once I move back to Texas this summer.

      1 vote
      1. [2]
        Power0utage
        Link Parent
        Their new kits have gotten a mixed response (mostly negative if I'm just looking at Reddit) but I think they're absolutely SWEET. In fact, as soon as I reply, I'm probably going to order one. The...

        Their new kits have gotten a mixed response (mostly negative if I'm just looking at Reddit) but I think they're absolutely SWEET. In fact, as soon as I reply, I'm probably going to order one.

        The haters down here in Houston can continue to hate as I wear my Texas Rangers and FC Dallas gear.

        As far as the MLS goes, I'm not quite sure why this is the case, but I've found it more entertaining than the big Euro leagues lately. It might have something to do with parity, or how money can buy a good team in the Premier League (Man City), or just the fact that I'm American and we've got a pretty decent little league here now.

        I can definitely say that the quality has increased by magnitudes over the past ten or so years. I stopped watching MLS in 2011 and switched to PL full time. Back then, passes were shoddy, runs were slow, and audience sizes were embarrassing. Each of those have trended in the right direction. It's a very fun league if you invest some time into it.

        1 vote
        1. Jerutix
          Link Parent
          I'm with you on the kits. I like that a lot! Took me a while to find the one I had - I bought it used on eBay in like 2015 or so. 2010/2011 Away Kit

          I'm with you on the kits. I like that a lot!

          Took me a while to find the one I had - I bought it used on eBay in like 2015 or so. 2010/2011 Away Kit

    2. kovboydan
      Link Parent
      I agree with you on most of this, but I was pleased with most of the defenses I saw this past weekend. Maybe it was just the games I watched, but other than Colorado getting run over by Portland I...

      I agree with you on most of this, but I was pleased with most of the defenses I saw this past weekend. Maybe it was just the games I watched, but other than Colorado getting run over by Portland I thought it was generally as good or better than last year on the defensive side of things.

  2. [2]
    kovboydan
    Link

    The strategy is two-fold. MLS wants to become a more active player in the global transfer market, not just as a buyer, but as a seller, opening up a potential revenue stream for MLS owners that is a key part of the business plan for most soccer first-division clubs around the world. The league also hopes that in doing so, they’ll finally shed the outdated “retirement league” moniker and increase the quality of play by becoming a destination for top young talent, especially from the western hemisphere.

    “There is an awareness and recognition and respect for our league around the world because, not only (Messi) is here, but because of everything that we’ve done to grow the league,” MLS commissioner Don Garber told a group of reporters on Wednesday night. “That’s going to pay off with players that are senior international players thinking about MLS, but also for young kids that might be playing in the grassroots of America or playing somewhere in the rest of the world and paying attention to us.

    4 votes
    1. Markpelly
      Link Parent
      I really hope this league gets out of that "retirement league" mentality for sure. Ive been an inconsistent game attendee and viewer of games on TV since the 90s, but I've never been able to be...

      I really hope this league gets out of that "retirement league" mentality for sure. Ive been an inconsistent game attendee and viewer of games on TV since the 90s, but I've never been able to be hooked to a full season like I do with the EPL. I've always been drawn to NE Revs since I am from New England, I even saw them at Foxboro stadium when I was a kid.

      3 votes