When Lionel Messi joined Major League Soccer, it was seen as a game-changer, drawing in a ton of global attention and a fresh wave of fans to the league. So, while there are all these big goals and flashy moments, there’s also this quieter story that’s been popping up: the legendary Argentine isn’t really into discussing with the media, which is pretty different from how open things are in American pro sports.

This difference has led to some interesting discussions and, at times, even direct confrontations. It puts the league in a tricky spot as it tries to balance the cultural norms of an international icon with its own promotional goals.

Things really heated up during a recent media session when MLS Commissioner Don Garber had to step in and publicly defend his league’s biggest star. When reporter Franco Panizo asked a direct question about Messi’s media approach, Commissioner Garber gave a thoughtful response. Garber recognized the reporters as “great supporters of our league” and then went on to explain the main issue.

“The international football community just thinks about their relationship with the media very differently than the North American media does,” he stated. “It’s just the difference in the DNA of our leagues here and the leagues abroad. That’s something we have to manage.” Garber framed this not as an excuse but as a challenge that MLS continues to face, pointing out that players and coaches come from different backgrounds.

“I do believe that all of our players and all of our coaches, if we want our league to be more popular, are going to have to embrace access in ways that are going to be similar to what happens in the NBA and in the NFL, and in other domestic leagues. But that’s a cultural education, and we’re just going to continue to work for it. But, you know, it’s just one of the things we’ve got to manage through,” he added.

Garber’s diplomatic reply highlights a bigger issue that goes beyond just Lionel Messi and touches on the whole league. Journalists are really starting to worry about the shrinking media access in MLS. Clubs seem to be limiting locker room availability and interviews, which goes against the league’s collective bargaining agreement that says there should be an open locker room period after matches.

So, handling this shift in mindset with a bunch of international stars who are used to different rules is definitely one of the league’s trickiest ongoing challenges. However, the co-owner of Inter Miami CF recently shared some thoughts about Messi’s future with the club and the U.S. as a whole.

Lionel Messi’s American future might just not be it

According to journalist Pablo Giralt, David Beckham apparently suggested to Lionel Messi that it would be nice for him to settle down in Miami once he hangs up his boots. Beckham mentioned, “I would like Messi to live in Miami after he retires.” It seems like the Argentine had a different idea altogether. “But Leo told me that he only thinks about living close to Camp Nou.

“There is no player who loves Barcelona as much as he does. You see the Barca logo on his leg and even on his water bottle.”  Beckham added. For more than 17 seasons, Messi played a huge role in lifting Barcelona to its legendary status, and in the process, the club became a key part of his own life story. He’s got a deep connection with the city, built on years of amazing memories and significant victories.

That’s 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League trophies, and 7 Copa del Rey wins! This is the legacy that Messi built for himself, and it’s the one that changed FC Barcelona forever. His love for Camp Nou is here to stay!

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