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News, Blog and GuidesThe Atlético Madrid forward speaks about Lionel Messi, MLS and his goals for the remainder of his glittering career.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Aug 17th, 2023 09:12 EDT
LLUIS GENEAFP
French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann has his eyes set on a move to MLS in future and confirmed that he is following Lionel Messi’s progress with Inter Miami.
The 32-year-old was born in Macon, France but has played in Spain for his entire professional career, moving to Real Sociedad at the age of 14. He remains one of the finest players in LaLiga but is open to a move away from the Spanish capital in future.
At an Atlético Madrid press conference on Wednesday he revealed that he has a real interest in MLS and has been keeping an eye on his old teammates’ progress.
“Yes, I’ve followed it,” Griezmann replied, when asked if he had watched Messi for Inter Miami. “Leo Messi is one of the best players in history.”
“All the stadiums fill up when he plays and, since he’s been in the States, he’s winning matches. I think they’re now in a final match against Nashville.”
We asked Antoine Griezmann what he's made of Lionel Messi's move to America 🐐🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/aVuhQSFt59
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 17, 2023
Griezmann: ‘Messi can be the image of football in the US’
After playing in the same league as Messi for more than a decade, and playing alongside him for two years, Griezmann is more aware than most of the Argentine’s incredible talents.
But aside from his ability on the ball, Griezmann believes that Messi will prove a transformational signing for his influence off the pitch.
“He’s an incredible player and I think the best thing that MLS has done is to sign up Leo for advertising,” Griezmann explained. “He can be the image of football in the United States.”
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Lionel Messi has had a transformative effect on US soccer since arriving in Miami.MARCO BELLOREUTERS
He continued: “I think the new signings, the younger players from South America, this will improve the level of the league so I think that’s the best thing they can do: sign up top-quality players so it will make the league bigger and stronger.”
Earlier this month Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that Apple TV had surpassed its targets for MLS Season Pass subscribers, just weeks after Messi arrived in Miami.
Will Griezmann follow Messi to Miami?
Griezmann has made no secret of his love for American sports and has previously suggested that he would be open to a move to MLS later in his career. Now, there is talk that he could soon become the next world class talent added to the league.
On Wednesday Griezmann confirmed: “This is my objective: to be there to end my football career, to be able to enjoy the league.”
“I’m a true fan. I obviously want to be able to play there if I can, and play well and win things. I think that’s going to be very good for the American league since Leo is there and Jordi [Alba].”
