No, it isn't Lionel Messi going to David Beckham's club, Inter Miami. After all, the legendary soccer star called it "fake news". However, there's another move that can't be overlooked. This move might just start a tidal wave of international stars coming over to play in MLS, a league overshadowed by its European brethren.
Gareth Bale is finalizing a deal to go to LAFC, a move that'll send shockwaves throughout North American soccer. The 32-year-old Welsh star has won five Champions Leagues, three La Ligas, and has 81 goals with Real Madrid. He's widely considered as one of the greatest wingers of his generation and would make LAFC a championship contender.
He's not the only star that wants to join. Neymar has said that he's keener on going to MLS than returning to his native country, Brazil. Think about the magnitude of that move if it ever happens. A club like the LA Galaxy or New York Red Bulls could easily scoop him up with their positioning as big markets.
Granted, it's only a one-year deal. There have also been international stars that have made their way to MLS (see Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic). But you can't deny that getting Bale to North America will have its effects on the soccer landscape.
Maybe Messi will jump ship and join Inter Miami. Maybe you'll see Neymar join the league as well. Maybe it'll lead to other stars like Christian Eriksen making the move and making the league much bigger. But you can't deny this is just the beginning. It's an exciting time to be an MLS fan, especially with the attention it's gotten. MLS is going to experience unbridled growth and has huge potential with megastar moves like these.
