Conor McGregor's manager makes prediction after Lionel Messi's MLS move

13 July 2023 , 18:52

1071     0

Argentine football player Lionel Messi's transfer to Inter Miami is capturing the imaginations of the American public (Image: STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)

The impending transfer of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami is capturing the imaginations of the American public, with MMA personalities even giving their verdict on the move.

With 'Messi Mania' currently sweeping the US as the Argentine icon gears up for his landmark presentation as an MLS player on June 16, the intrigue has now spread to other sports. The World Cup winner is widely considered to be the greatest player in the history of the sport and it would be fair to say that the significance of his arrival in America transcends football.

Now, even the manager of Irish superstar UFC fighter Conor McGregor has weighed in on the news that the 36-year-old will be joining the Herons following the conclusion of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. The World Cup winner departs Europe having won a monumental 43 trophies and an unprecedented seven Ballon d'Ors and sports agent Audie Attar feels that the transfer is a seismic moment for soccer in the US.

Speaking to the Daily Mail at ESPY Awards, the entrepreneur acknowledged the significance of a player of the world-renowned forward's star power deciding to commit his future to tickets for all away games versus Inter Miami selling out within hours of the announcement. The businessman asserted that he senses the transfer could prove to be an integral catalyst in potentially helping to catapult the popularity of the sport prior to the MLS.

McGregor's agent said: "I was a big believer in MLS from the early days and I always said if you looked at America, if we had the same, not only program but also the major platform if you will, you start to see us excel not only in terms of the domestic game but even the World Cup scene."

Apple TV release MLS Season Pass worldwide and announce free opening weekend

Attar also was eager to express his belief that Messi's arrival in the US could well have a knock-on effect in terms of moving towards a model akin to Europe at club level, he said: "What this does, not only for the MLS, but what it does for our younger generation is they're going to buy into the game a lot earlier.

"And now we not only have the club system and the D1, D2, D3 in the collegiate program and system, but now you should have also the academies, which is a traditional European style, the game and the way they've developed their talent from early days."

Conor McGregor manager Audie Attar attends the 2023 ESPYs Awards at the Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (David Livingston/FilmMagic)

He added: 'We have that now too. So, I'm excited about where the sport of soccer's going, and I think it's a very bright future for the US, the MLS and the national team and Messi is going to help all of that."

The clamour to see the Camp Nou hero in action has been plain to see in the past month, with expanding its temporary DRV PNK Stadium by 3,000 seats from Messi of his intention to move to the US. On top of this, the Florida franchise has gone to the lengths of special welcome ceremony at the ground to help cope with demand.

The superstar is expected to be unveiled by the Herons at a dedicated welcome ceremony in front of supporters, with fellow blockbuster signing Sergio Busquets likely to feature. The pair could well make their debuts before the month is out, with a Leagues Cup clash with Cruz Azul on July 21 likely see the former Blaugrana teammates take to the field together once again.

Tom Beattie