Inter Miami's 'Messi effect' attracts hyped Argentinian youth prospect
Lionel Messi's arrival in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami triggered sold-out season tickets, record league subscriptions and more media coverage than the league had received in years, but there's more to the Messi story than just the short-term frenzy.
The 36-year-old's arrival has piqued the interest of European and South American soccer players who hadn't seriously considered an MLS move until Messi did, too. Ex-Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez signed with Inter Miami after Messi did.
The so-called "Messi effect" brought those three stars to MLS, but they're in the twilight of their careers and unlikely to spend a long time in the league. So, the question remains: Could the "Messi effect" interest young players, too — particularly those with big-club prospects in Europe?
With just a few weeks to go until Messi's first full season in MLS begins, the answer appears to be yes.
The Miami Herald reported Friday that Inter Miami is in advanced talks to sign Federico Redondo, a 21-year-old Argentinian midfielder playing for Argentinos Juniors in Buenos Aires. Redondo is the son of Argentina legend Fernando Redondo, and his slick, mature performances have caught the attention of European clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid.
With Messi on the line, Redondo appears to have turned his focus on MLS. The Herald predicted Miami will pay a $8M transfer fee for the Argentinian, who will then qualify as a U-22 signing under MLS rules. That designation is important because it reduces Redondo's wage hit to Miami's salary cap by a full $200,000 until he turns 22.
Miami's interest in Redondo increased when its existing U22 South American signing, Uruguayan forward Facundo Farias, suffered a season-ending knee injury a few weeks ago.
Redondo's style is far more physical and defensive than Farias', but that's good news for Miami. It has been caught out repeatedly in defensive midfield over the course of its ill-fated preseason tour. At 6-foot-2, Redondo should bring height, muscle and speed to the center of the park and complement Busquets nicely. He's a world-class defensive midfielder but one lacking in all three of those departments at this stage of his career.
While final negotiations for Redondo and Miami are ongoing, the seriousness of their talks is fantastic news for MLS. The league is not helped in the long term when age 30-plus superstars David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale or Messi join the league. It's helped by the young players they inspire, however.
Seeing globally recognized youth prospects like Redondo choosing the United States and MLS over European leagues is exactly the kind of "Messi effect" fans of the league need.
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