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Despite Neymar Jr & Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Decision, ‘MLS Got the Biggest Fish’ in Lionel Messi, Who Declined Billion Dollar Saudi Deal

Published 08/17/2023, 7:15 AM EDT

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This summer transfer window saw our favorite soccer stars join foreign leagues. While Neymar Jr. recently followed Cristiano Ronaldo to the Gulf country, Lionel Messi earlier chose to make the classic MLS move. But which league has the bigger fish on their side? While many may believe it’s the Saudi Arabian league that has the best fish, a former USMNT star thinks the MLS has the biggest fish.

Mostly, it has been the Saudi Pro League that has been making big-name moves. However, Major League Soccer has a few noteworthy mentions who are part of their league too. Most importantly, their biggest star Messi is on the brink of winning his first-ever piece of silverware at Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi is the biggest fish that the MLS has!

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While renowned soccer stars continue to join the exodus to the Middle East, a few broke the chain. Among them was Messi, who declined a billion-dollar move in favor of Inter Miami. Yet, even after he rejected the move, players continued to move, with Neymar his ex-teammate, being the latest one.

However, despite the SPL having many covert names, USMNT legend Alexi Lalas believes it’s the MLS that has a better player. While speaking on his own podcast with David Mosse, Lalas made a huge claim. He said, “I think MLS got the biggest fish of the mall, which is Messi, and they got him just a few months after he won the World Cup. And so what he’s doing in MLS I agree is resonating globally more than what any of those players.”

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Lalas insists that despite the SPL having the likes of Neymar, Ronaldo, Benzema, and other famous stars, MLS has a better star. The legendary player also believes that the Argentinian’s move resonates more than other stars’ moves. Be that as it may, it is a huge claim from the veteran.

As for Messi, he seems to enjoy most of his time in the U.S. as he continues to lead his new side to glory.

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La Pulga living the American dream

Messi embarked on his life in Miami on a pretty good note. The skipper is not only garnering fame and glory but also continues to captivate fans with his top-notch performance. So far, the World Cup winner has played six games, and in all the appearances, he has appeared on the scoresheet. 9 goals in 6 games are quite extraordinary numbers that anyone has likely achieved in the MLS.

USA Today via Reuters

Not only this, but his goal-scoring prowess has helped the Herons clinch a place in the finals of the Leagues Cup. Surely, Messi and his teammates will be looking to end the tournament on a high note while deservedly grabbing their first trophy.

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WATCH THIS STORY | 7ft Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants a Career Change With Lionel Messi after $200,000,000+ Lure Enticed Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema

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Written by:

Abhishek Mishra

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Abhishek Mishra is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. Abhishek's love for soccer began during his childhood days when he spent most of his time playing and watching the sport. His early exposure to soccer earned him many accolades at district and zonal levels, making him a true sports enthusiast.
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