Compared to the Premier League and other top European leagues, Major League Soccer has arguably had an oblivious existence. Thanks to Lionel Messi, the MLS is no longer the same. However, the League is gaining traction majorly because of Inter Miami and its superstars who followed Messi’s suit. Their rivals do not boast a line-up with elite overseas players such as Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Former Leicester City star and Charlotte FC’s assistant coach Christian Fuchs thinks MLS can put an end to this disparity and ‘appeal to a worldwide audience.’ But for that, Fuchs demands a ‘change in structure’ for MLS clubs.

MLS is characterized by complicated rules regarding salary budgets and money allocation. Christian Fuchs thinks such rules will harm the League in the long run.

Christian Fuchs calls for MLS to make the best of Lionel Messi’s gift to US soccer

According to Christian Fuchs, the MLS will probably ease things like salary caps because the League is becoming more popular. Adding to this popularity was Inter Miami’s signing of Suarez, who reunited with Messi. “If the MLS wants to keep growing, by attracting international stars who are at the peak of their careers rather than towards the end, then the decision-makers must loosen the rules. The next stage has to be to deliver a product that isn’t just attractive to Messi fans or Suarez fans – and that means changing the structure. That’s the only way to appeal to a worldwide audience,” said Fuchs, as compiled by Mirror.

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In my opinion, that might be the most important legacy that Messi brings to the MLS.” He added that the Premier Leagues of the world are regarded as the best because most clubs house top players. The MLS’ draconian rules regarding salary cap have so far kept the league from growing to similar standards. What are those rules? Let’s find out.

Roster rules that hinder MLS’ growth

In the 2023 season, the MLS had allowed each club to spend $5,210,000 in salaries. Firstly, such salaries are way too limited when compared to what players earn in England and elsewhere. Besides, there is the designated player rule that allows MLS clubs to sign three players who are outside the salary cap. Both Messi and Busquets have joined the Herons as DPs. Whereas, Suarez and Alba had to take a drastic pay cut to join the side. They might be comfortable with that, considering they are nearing the end of their careers.

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But will a superstar in their 20s be willing to do the same? There’s a snowball’s chance in hell for that. Therefore, as Fuchs pointed out, it is high time the MLS got rid of these draconian salary cap-related roster rules to grow into a soccer hub. This is the best time for the MLS to make a move, as it is now home to Messi and Suarez.

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