I have nothing but contempt for Minor League Soccer. I loathe Inter Miami CF majority owner Jorge Mas. I have never been, and will never go, to an Inter Miami game as long as Mas is owner. So I say the following with absolutely no hometown bias:

The signing of Lionel Messi is a miracle. Alone, it is, beyond all doubt, the greatest coup in MLS history, beyond that of even minority owner David Beckham’s move from Real Madrid to Los Angeles Galaxy a generation ago. 

“Alone”: Yes, alone, Messi means all of that. We just saw him at this time last year lead Argentina to the World Cup trophy stand. He’s 36 years old but he is in his prime. He is arguably the G.O.A.T. and he burnished his cred to stand on the winner’s platform alongside, in some order, Pele and Maradona. His signing does not add to MLS’ reputation as an oldies league, it destroys it. 

"Alone": Messi is not alone at Inter! Sergio Busquets has joined him; Jordi Alba is coming, and The Cannibal of Ajax, Luis Suarez, may be tasting flesh in South Florida. Inter Miami, The Horror, is transmogrified into The Wonder, and MLS takes a giant step up world club soccer’s pecking order. 

Welcome to South Florida Leo! 

Congratulations to Jorge Mas and David Beckham! Behold, Inter Miami!