Lionel Messi has been officially unveiled as a Miami player in front of a sold-out crowd, and its the start of a new chapter for Leo and the MLS who could have their first Ballon d’Or winner in the league if Messi picks up the award this year.

It’s likely that Messi will win the award after his World Cup success, which would make him the first player to win Ballon d’Or with three different clubs (Barca, PSG and Miami).

Rooney sent a message about the MLS not being an easy league and it’s true that the league is becoming more and more competitive, so it won’t always be an easy ride for Messi. But he is a born winner and I am sure he is already thinking ‘how can I win here’. 

Don Garber, commissioner of the MLS, said someone of Messi’s status choosing to play in the league was a “transformational moment.” He added: “It’s been so many years of developing this league into becoming a player on the global stage, so it’s a very momentous night for us.”

Busquets also joined Messi at the unveiling as a new Miami, and these two have a long history of success together which will bring so much experience and quality to the club.

Messi left French champions PSG after scoring 32 goals in 75 games over a two-year spell, and it’s going to be interesting to see the impact he can have in the MLS.

He turned down plenty of other offers to join Miami and it’s a huge win for football in America, as it can help to attract more talent to the league when the quality improves each year. The latest rumor is that one of Messi’s dear friends Luis Suarez is closing in on becoming his teammates again. 

It’s the first time Messi will have played his club football outside of Europe and the Miami project is an interesting one. Miami are bottom of the table so Messi’s impact will become clear in terms of how much they can improve, and how fast. #mmlove