Lionel Messi says Major League Soccer must ease its spending limits if it wants to compete with the world’s top leagues. Speaking to NBC News, the Inter Miami star said teams need “freedom to sign whoever they want” to attract more elite players and accelerate the sport’s growth in the US.
MLS currently restricts spending through salary caps and designated player rules, allowing each club up to three high-earning stars like Messi. While these policies were designed to maintain parity, critics argue they now hold the league back.
Messi’s comments add weight to growing calls for reform since his high-profile move to Inter Miami.
The Argentine also said he hopes to play in the 2026 World Cup, but will decide based on his fitness next year: “I want to be there and help the team if I can still be 100%.”
