Donovan Makes Lionel Messi Face Bitter Truth — 'Beckham Got a Bigger MLS Legacy'

Lionel Messi's arrival in the MLS is one of the biggest surprises in world football, and he is already seen as one of the greatest signings the league has ever made.

Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has made an impact on and off the pitch. The Arentien star won the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters Shield but has yet to win the MLS Cup.

Messi's current contract lasts until the 2025 MLS Season and could stay in the league for at least another year.

Despite his achievements on the pitch and his impact on the league, MLS legend Landon Donovan thinks his former teammate David Beckham has a bigger legacy in the league than Messi.

Donovan believes that Messi will have a legacy in the MLS, but David Beckham's legacy will not be topped.

Landon Donovan on David Beckham's MLS Legacy

Landon Donovan was on The Cooligans Podcast, and he spoke about Messi missing the MLS All-Star Game this summer. Donovan believes that Beckham will have a bigger MLS legacy than Messi due to how involved the English star is within the league, to this day.

Donovan wanted Messi to play in the MLS All-Star Game and pointed out that the league was in a difficult situation. He knows the MLS wants Messi to stay, but had to suspend the Argentine star for missing the MLS All-Star, which did occur.

Landon Donovan: "These events [MLS All-Star Game] are so crucial for the league because eyeballs are watching, new eyeballs are watching...people who idolize him want to see him [Messi]. David Beckham understood all that at a really high level."

Donovan was asked if Messi would have a bigger impact than David Beckham in the MLS. Donovan backed his former teammate and described why he believes it.

Landon Donovan: "David [Beckham] also became an owner and is deeply tied to the league."