Despite securing one of the greatest players in football history, Lionel Messi, Major League Soccer (MLS) has yet to experience the influx of global stars many expected. In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia sparked a wave of high-profile transfers, turning the Saudi Pro League into a major player in the global transfer market. So questions has been raised on why Messi’s presence is yet to make the same effect in the U.S.
During the transfer window of July 2023, Lionel Messi’s made a bold move to Inter Miami, A move which was hailed as a game-changer for the league(MLS). His arrival sparked hopes that other top players would follow, much like the wave of stars that joined Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) after his transfer to Al-Nassr in January 2023. Yet, while the SPL has welcomed names like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané, the MLS has not seen a similar influx. A key question emerges: is this because the MLS doesn’t pay as much as Saudi Arabia? While financial differences are a major factor, the story is more complex, involving league structures, lifestyle preferences, and individual priorities.
The Financial Capacity of both leagues
Money is undeniably a driving force in modern football transfers, and the contrast between MLS and SPL salaries is stark. The SPL, fueled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has offered jaw-dropping contracts to attract global talent. Ronaldo’s deal with Al-Nassr, reportedly worth $200 million per year, set a precedent, followed by lucrative contracts for players like Neymar and Benzema, often exceeding $50 million annually. In 2023, the SPL’s transfer spending reached $957 million, showcasing its financial firepower.
The MLS, however, operates under a different model. With a salary cap of $5.21 million per team in 2023 and a maximum salary of $651,250 per player (except for Designated Players), its earning potential is limited. Messi, the league’s top earner, secures $20.45 million annually at Inter Miami—a hefty sum, but only a fraction of what SPL stars command. Other MLS standouts, like Lorenzo Insigne ($15.4 million) and Sergio Busquets ($8.5 million), also earn well, but these figures don’t compete with Saudi offers. The MLS’s Designated Player rule allows teams to sign up to three stars above the cap, a mechanism that brought in David Beckham and now Messi, but it still restricts the number of high earners per club. In contrast, the SPL’s lack of spending limits lets clubs stack their rosters with big names, making it a more attractive financial destination for many players.
League Structure and Competitive Appeal
Beyond salaries, the structure and competitive level of each league influence player decisions. The MLS salary cap promotes parity, helping smaller teams compete, but it hampers the ability to assemble star-heavy lineups. The SPL, with no such constraints, has quickly elevated its on-field quality by signing multiple high-profile players per team. While Opta ranks MLS 29th and SPL 41st globally, the SPL’s recent investments suggest it’s closing the gap, potentially offering a tougher challenge that appeals to players still eager to compete at a high level.
For Messi, however, competition wasn’t the priority. At 36, he chose MLS for a less intense environment, emphasizing enjoyment and family life over top-tier rivalry. This suggests the MLS might attract players winding down their careers, while the SPL could draw those seeking both money and a competitive edge. Yet, the MLS’s focus on sustainable growth—developing young talent and preparing for the 2026 World Cup—contrasts with the SPL’s aggressive, immediate push for stardom, which may not align with every player’s goals.
Lifestyle Outside Football Pitch
Lifestyle considerations also weigh heavily on this issue. The United States offers a familiar setting for many players, especially those from Europe or South America. Miami, with its large Spanish-speaking community and vibrant culture, likely appealed to Messi and his family. The U.S. provides a family-friendly atmosphere and fewer cultural adjustments compared to Saudi Arabia, where social norms and restrictions might deter some players despite the financial rewards. For Messi, quality of life trumped pure earnings, a sentiment echoed by teammates like Busquets and Jordi Alba, who followed him to Miami.
The SPL, however, is countering these concerns with its Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to modernize and globalize Saudi football. Investments in infrastructure and marketing are boosting its appeal, but for now, cultural differences remain a hurdle for some players compared to the more familiar American landscape.
The Messi Exception: Why His Move Stands Alone
Messi has undeniably lifted Inter Miami profile and the league at large, Inter Miami’s social media exploded, and the league saw record attendance and success, like the 2023 Leagues Cup win and 2024 Supporters’ Shield. Yet, unlike Ronaldo’s move sparking an SPL signing spree, the “Messi effect” hasn’t broadly replicated. Players like Olivier Giroud ($3.68 million) and Marco Reus ($1.22 million) have joined MLS, but these moves are outliers. Messi’s deal is unique, including revenue shares with Apple and Adidas and a future club ownership option—perks not standard for others. His personal ties to Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also played a role, suggesting his transfer was a special case rather than a blueprint for mass migration.
His presence, alongside former Barcelona teammates like Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez, has led to on-field success, including the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. However, unlike the SPL, where Ronaldo’s move triggered a wave of high-profile signings, MLS has not seen a similar influx. Players like Olivier Giroud ($3.68 million) and Marco Reus ($1.22 million) have joined, but these are exceptions rather than the norm.
The lack of a broader “Messi effect” in attracting stars may stem from MLS’s salary cap constraints and the perception that Messi’s deal is an anomaly. As one X user noted, “MLS is its own biggest enemy when it comes to quality” due to its restrictive roster rules. The league’s focus on long-term growth, including youth academies and the 2026 World Cup, contrasts with the SPL’s immediate, high-spending approach.
Other Strong Factors
Career Stage: The SPL has attracted players in their prime (e.g., Neymar, 31) and veterans (e.g., Benzema, 36), while MLS often appeals to players nearing retirement or seeking a new challenge, like Giroud and Reus. Younger players may prioritize the SPL’s financial rewards over MLS’s lifestyle benefits.
Global Exposure: The SPL’s aggressive marketing and Ronaldo’s endorsement have increased its global searches, outpacing MLS even after Messi’s arrival. MLS games, often behind the MLS Season Pass paywall, may limit exposure for casual fans.
Club World Cup Ambitions: The SPL’s strong performance in the FIFA Club World Cup and its financial backing make it an attractive destination for players aiming to compete at a high level. MLS, while improving, faces challenges in global competitions due to its salary cap.
Final Take.
The financial disparity between MLS and the SPL is a primary reason players aren’t following Messi to the U.S. in . Saudi Arabia’s ability to offer unmatched salaries dwarfs MLS’s constrained budget, making it a magnet for those chasing wealth, especially late in their careers. However, money isn’t the sole decider. Lifestyle preferences, cultural comfort, and personal goals—like Messi’s focus on family and enjoyment—shape choices too. The MLS’s restrictive rules limit its star power, while the SPL’s free-spending strategy accelerates its rise. For now, Saudi Arabia’s financial edge dominates, but the MLS offers a distinct appeal for those valuing life beyond the paycheck. As the 2026 World Cup nears, loosening salary caps could shift the tide, but until then, the SPL’s cash remains king.
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