The MLS has seen many icons feature in the league, bringing in some of the best players from Europe.
The MLS is one of the best leagues in the world when it comes to bringing in some of the top players from around the world, and is unmatched in terms of providing players with the perfect conditions to end their careers and provide an amazing life for their families.
The pattern of players choosing to move to the US for their retirement is not new. With the rise of sports media and even online casino sponsorships, the MLS has gained more international visibility, attracting some of the biggest stars to finish their careers in the U.S.
So today, we will be taking a look at the top 5 international players who have played in the MLS.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have played the sport, never mind the greatest player to have played in the MLS. The 7x Ballon d’Or winner has cemented his name in sport as the greatest of all time, choosing to join the MLS in 2023.
The recent World Cup winner has built a legacy at Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions Leagues, with plenty more silverware at club and individual level.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has brought a whole new viewership with him, generating new MLS fans all over the world, as well as increasing shirt sales, sponsorship deals, and an influx of players.
Messi is more than just a soccer player; he is a global superstar with the potential to influence the world.
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Kaka
Another Ballon d’Or winner who chose to spend time in the United States is the incredibly skilful Brazilian legend Kaka. Often regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian players of all time, Kaka made a name for himself while playing for Brazilian side Sao Paulo, before achieving a dream move to AC Milan.
Kaka would help AC Milan to a Champions League title and a Serie A title, while dominating with Brazil, and winning a World Cup and the Ballon d’Or. He would later make a move to Real Madrid, where he would win a La Liga title and move back to Italy.
In 2015, he would make his debut for Orlando City in the MLS, inspiring a new generation and bringing Brazilian flair to the States. Kaka’s stay would last until 2017 when he announced his professional retirement.
Thierry Henry
Potentially one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League, Thierry Henry will be remembered for years to come as a result of his incredible shooting ability, skilful dribbling, and blistering pace.
The French international made history during his time at Arsenal and Barcelona, winning 2 Premier League titles, one invincible season, 2 La Liga titles, and 1 Champions League title at Barcelona. Henry was incredible during his time at the top, even managing to win France their first World Cup.
Henry chose to join the MLS in 2010 with the New York Red Bulls, spending 4 years with the club, making over 120 appearances. Henry was a huge player for the Red Bulls, guiding them to a Supporters’ Shield in 2013 and 2 Eastern Conference victories in 2010 and 2013. Henry will go down as a club all time great for the New York side.
Andrea Pirlo
Another all-time great, Andrea Pirlo, is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders produced by Italy, if not one of the greatest midfielders of all time. His vision, work rate, and all round game were perfect from every minute detail, dominating in almost every area of the game.
He began his career in the lower ranks of Italy, gaining promotion to the Serie A with local club Brescia, before being picked up by Inter Milan. His time with Inter wasn’t too successful, rarely getting game time and loan spells that forced the Italian to join rivals AC Milan.
This is where he shone. During his time, he would win 2 Serie A titles and 2 Champions Leagues, before moving to Juventus and adding 4 more Serie A titles to his collection. His World Cup victory came in 2006, and just shy of a decade later, he would move to the MLS side New York City, where he would spend 2 years before retiring.
David Beckham
Often regarded as one of England’s greatest ever soccer players, David Beckham has won it all. Starting out at Manchester United, Beckham witnessed the golden days, winning 6 Premier League titles and a Champions League, before landing a dream move to Real Madrid, where he would go on to win the Spanish La Liga.
As his time at Real Madrid came to an end in 2007, he chose to join MLS side LA Galaxy, where he would spend 2 loan spells in his 5 years with the American side. He chose to end his career in France with PSG in 2013, but would later return to the US to set up a new club, Inter Miami.
This sent shockwaves around the world, with Beckham even bringing the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to the league. Not only did Beckham show his dedication to the league as a player, but he also returned as an owner, shaping the MLS’s future.
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