Mark Madden's Hot Take: Messi is arguably the best ever, but MLS competition must be taken into context

Lionel Messi’s debut for Inter Miami was electric. Messi netted a 94th-minute free kick Friday to give the MLS club a 2-1 win over Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, whatever that is.

A-list player, maybe the best of all time.

A-list goal, though Messi has produced many better.

A-list moment. Great players create those.

⭐ inMESSIonante ⭐ pic.twitter.com/dswAgBEWVw

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 22, 2023

But Messi is now playing B-list competition.

It’s reminiscent of David Beckham’s MLS arrival with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. Amazing upon ignition.

But Beckham’s luster faded. Messi is a better player than Beckham. Beckham was arguably a bigger star. (Beckham is now co-owner of Inter Miami.)

In the end, Messi won’t elevate soccer to another level in America.

Messi, 36, will draw some big crowds. He’ll occasionally lead SportsCenter. He’ll play brilliantly.

But really, it’s just another retirement job for an older soccer star.

That’s MLS’ primary function, though that torch is being passed to the Saudi Pro League, home of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Saudi league is luring big names for big money. Ronaldo reportedly makes $215 million per year. (Messi is making between $50-$60 million at Miami.)

The Saudis won’t stop at buying has-beens. Stars in their prime will follow. The paydays are too large. The Saudis’ intent is to own soccer. It didn’t take them long to own golf.

Here’s betting the Saudis try to buy their way into the UEFA Champions League, even though they lack the most basic stipulation: Being in Europe.

Hats off to Messi. Labels like “the G.O.A.T.” are too freely applied, but Messi is definitely in that conversation.

But MLS is the rough equivalent of English soccer’s AA league. Whatever he does must be taken in that context.

Nothing wrong with MLS. Solid league.

But I hate some of the team names. “Inter” Miami, like Italy’s Inter Milan. “Real” Salt Lake, like Spain’s Real Madrid. “Sporting” Kansas City, like Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon. MLS has three Uniteds.

There’s zero equivalency between those MLS teams and their Euro counterparts. It’s insulting to the European clubs.

MLS should use original names and start new traditions. Or continue old American traditions. Like the Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps, who can trace their names and heritage to the North American Soccer League (1967-85).

How long before Megan Rapinoe wants between $50-$60 million just like Messi? They both have the same job, after all.