re is little need to reiterate how dramatically Major League Soccer’s appeal has grown since Lionel Messi arrived in the United States. Yet this summer’s transfer window has taken that momentum to another level. Instead of one or two headline signings, MLS has witnessed an influx of players who have dominated European football. With three weeks still remaining before the second transfer window closes, Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski, Alexis Sánchez and Casemiro have already entered the American league.
Messi’s Footsteps, MLS Witnesses an Influx of Global Stars
There is little need to reiterate how dramatically Major League Soccer’s appeal has grown since Lionel Messi arrived in the United States. Yet this summer’s transfer window has taken that momentum to another level. Instead of one or two headline signings, MLS has witnessed an influx of players who have dominated European football. With three weeks still remaining before the second transfer window closes, Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski, Alexis Sánchez and Casemiro have already entered the American league.
The names alone provide a compelling synopsis of MLS’s evolving stature. A World Cup winner, a prolific European goalscorer, a Copa América champion and a midfielder decorated with multiple Champions League titles are now part of the league’s expanding constellation of international stars.
MLS was once viewed primarily as a destination for celebrated European players approaching the twilight of their careers. That perception is becoming increasingly obsolete.
The league now offers a more substantial proposition: competitive football, substantial commercial opportunities, growing global visibility and an audience that has become considerably more invested in the competition.
Griezmann Makes an Immediate Impression
France’s World Cup-winning forward Antoine Griezmann joined Orlando City on July 13. The forward, who finished third in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2016 and 2018, immediately demonstrated his pedigree with his new club. He scored in Orlando City’s 4-0 victory over San Jose Earthquakes, marking the 300th club goal of his career.
Griezmann brings a formidable résumé to American football. His international career includes a World Cup triumph, while his club career has been characterised by sustained excellence at the highest European level.
His immediate impact in MLS has only amplified the sense that the league is attracting players who still possess substantial competitive value.
Lewandowski Brings a Prolific Scoring Record
Robert Lewandowski joined Chicago Fire toward the end of June after leaving Barcelona. The 37-year-old Polish striker scored twice in his third appearance for Chicago during a 2-1 victory over Charlotte.
Lewandowski’s credentials require little embellishment.
For years, he was among the most prolific forwards in European football, repeatedly scoring 20, 30 or more goals in a season.
His 2019-20 campaign with Bayern Munich was particularly extraordinary. He scored 55 goals during Bayern’s historic six-trophy season and was widely considered a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or before the award was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also scored 42 goals during the penultimate season of his Barcelona career and finished last season with 19.
MLS has therefore acquired not merely a famous name but one of the most accomplished goalscorers of the modern era.
Sánchez and Casemiro Add More Prestige
Alexis Sánchez, equally capable of scoring and creating goals, has joined Montreal on a two-year contract. The Chilean star has represented Barcelona, Manchester United and Inter Milan during an illustrious European career.
Sánchez offers a different attacking profile. His technical quality, creativity and experience can provide Montreal with a sophisticated attacking dimension.
Then comes Casemiro.
The Brazilian midfielder, who spent nine years at Real Madrid and won virtually every major club honour, has joined Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
Casemiro’s résumé is imposing. He was a central component of Real Madrid’s highly successful midfield and has also remained an important figure for Brazil.
He has made 91 appearances for the Brazilian national team since his international debut in 2011 and also featured for Brazil at the World Cup.
His current agreement with Inter Miami runs through the end of next season. Although the contract is not particularly long, his influence in midfield could be substantial.
More European Experience Arrives
The influx is not restricted to the four most prominent names.
Sergi Roberto, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, has joined Los Angeles Galaxy.
Former Villarreal and Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has also moved to MLS, joining Columbus Crew.
The pattern is unmistakable. European experience is spreading throughout the league rather than concentrating at a single club.
Could This Be MLS’s Best Transfer Window?
The scale of the arrivals naturally raises a compelling question: could this be the most prestigious transfer window in MLS history?
The league had already attracted major names in recent years.
Last season, German legend Thomas Müller joined Vancouver Whitecaps, while Son Heung-min left Tottenham for Los Angeles FC in a record $26.5 million transfer.
Earlier this year, Colombian playmaker James Rodríguez joined Minnesota United.
Yet the combination of Griezmann, Lewandowski, Sánchez and Casemiro gives the current window an especially formidable character.
These are not peripheral names from European football. They are players whose careers have been intertwined with World Cups, Champions League campaigns, domestic titles and elite individual achievements.
Messi Changed the Equation
MLS has attracted celebrated European footballers before.
In 2015, Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Kaká and Didier Drogba all arrived in the league.
But Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 represented a watershed moment for MLS and fundamentally altered its position in global football.
Messi was joined in Miami by former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Together, they helped the club win the first major trophy in its history, while their arrival generated an unprecedented level of international attention.
Messi’s influence has extended beyond the pitch.
His presence has helped intensify global interest in MLS, while the league’s commercial profile and international visibility have also benefited from the phenomenon surrounding the Argentine superstar.
Now, the gravitational pull created by Messi appears to be attracting another generation of celebrated names.
The Window Is Not Yet Closed
The current MLS transfer window will close on September 2.
That leaves enough time for another major signing to reshape the conversation.
Whether another European champion or globally recognised star joins Griezmann, Lewandowski, Sánchez and Casemiro before the deadline is now one of the biggest questions surrounding the MLS transfer market.
The league’s transformation is becoming difficult to ignore. MLS is no longer simply a retirement destination for ageing European stars. It is evolving into a more visible and ambitious football ecosystem capable of attracting players with substantial reputations and considerable competitive pedigree.
Messi may have been the catalyst.
Now, the stars are following.
