MLS Credits Messi for Sudden Transformation – Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer has helped the association gain popular interest among international fans, with its commissioner calling the development as “transformational.” According to MLS commissioner Don Garber, the signing of Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and helped Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has placed the league in the global soccer map. In his “state of the league” address, Garber said that Messi’s arrival in the MLS was one of the biggest stories this summer around the world.
The league commissioner added that the Argentine’s acquisition came after the MLS formalized a new 10-year global streaming deal with Apple TV. Garber pointed out that the development ensures more fans will watch the game around the world. This could also lead to more MLS online betting revenues for it will also increase patrons who are looking to watch the matches live and earn extra money at the same time.
MLS Credits Messi for Sudden Transformation: Rise of soccer in the US
The MLS commissioner said that the league achieved a record of almost 12 million fans throughout the year, with the derby between the Los Angeles FC and Los Angeles Galaxy on July 4 at the Rose Bowl attracting an all-time best of 82,110 fans. Garber also acknowledged the new Leagues Cup, which was held jointly with teams from Mexico’s Liga MX, saying that it was successful. He also mentioned the midseason tournament that was won by the Messi-led Inter Miami. The event’s format was patterned after the World Cup and Garber noted that it garnered tons of interest and it is expected to continue growing and widen its reach in the future.
Loaded Schedule up Ahead
The MLS chief also looks forward for an eventful 2024 as the soccer calendar will be loaded with the Copa America, the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup that will also be co-hosted by Mexico and Canada. The two tournaments will be added to the Leagues Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, the US Open Cup, the MLS regular season and the playoffs. Garber is also open to new formats to fix the tight soccer schedule without burning the players out. He hinted of setting up an “Apertura” and “Clausura” system in the MLS regular season tournament to fit the program. The official pointed out that there have been talks with the nation’s governing body for the sport, US Soccer, on the possible reformatting of the US Open Cup.
Ten Hag’s Tenure with Manchester United Hangs in the Balance
The job of Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s manager faces further scrutiny as the Red Devils face ouster in the UEFA Champions League unless they surprise Bayern Munich at home in a Group A clash on Tuesday. A win over Bayern, coupled by a draw by Copenhagen and Galatasaray would push Manchester United to second place and secure a spot in the knockout stages.
A loss would be a nightmare for United, signaling further problems for ten Hag. Right now, the Red Devils occupy sixth place in the league table with nine wins and seven losses. On Saturday, Manchester United suffered a 0-3 beatdown at the hands of Bournemouth that saw their troubled campaign hit another wall. If United want to make it to the knockout stages, they must play excellent defense against the explosive Bayern side. However, the 2023-24 edition of the Red Devils are prone to fatal defensive lapses that led to stunning losses on the domestic and continental fronts. They have allowed goals in five Champions League group games that could end up more unless they pull off a big upset over Bayern.
Ten Hag’s Tactical Imperative
Ten Hag believes that the Man United have the abilities to score goals but inconsistencies on both sides of the pitch have troubled their season. The manager believes that the team has to work on their flaws to contend in the Premier League race with 22 games remaining. There is also a possibility that their best scorer – Marcus Rashford – could return in their game against Bayern. However, Rashford should not carry the whole offensive load if United want to sweep their remaining assignments. Antony and Alejandro Garnacho should produce to help the returning forward. Team captain Bruno Fernandes urged his teammates to do everything to beat Bayern and hope for a draw in the Copenhagen-Galatasaray game to make it through the next round. He believes that Manchester United are capable of getting the surprise win that would keep them in the online sports picks and parlays radar moving forward.
