Plus, an update from Jermaine Jones on his coaching ambitions and a rundown of all of this weekend's many stunning goals

The designated player rule served its purpose. It allowed the league to bring better players to its teams and to use celebrity to create a sort of cachet and credibility, both within the game and with fans. But as the league has changed, it has been slow to adapt to the increase in teams and, more importantly, the increasing cost of doing business in global soccer. The designated player rule isn’t enough for MLS to keep up. If anything. the rules as they stand present very real limitations to the on-field product.

  • @haxasaur
    1•1 year ago

    He could just move to Miami without joining MLS as a player.

    • @StrangeWorrier
      1•1 year ago

      That doesn’t expand his brand and also means he’s giving up a ton of money.

      And of course he’d like to win but it’s not like he really cares whether he wins an MLS Cup or CONCACAF Champions League.

        • @StrangeWorrier
          1•1 year ago

          The Miami Herald reported that it would be a “complicated” deal valued between $125 million and $150 million over the length of the contract, which it estimates to be 2½ years in length, with an option year for 2026. The report states it would include salary, bonuses and equity in the team. Both Apple (the MLS broadcast partner) and Adidas (one of the league’s biggest sponsors) were offering profit-sharing agreements on merchandising and subscriptions to MLS Season Pass.

          Messi is not just some regular MLS player.