‘What then?’: Ex-USMNT GK Kasey Keller’s surprising take on MLS after Lionel Messi retires

Former USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller has expressed concerns about the future of Major League Soccer (MLS) once Lionel Messi retires, questioning whether the league can rely on one superstar indefinitely. Messi's arrival in MLS in 2023 brought global attention to the league, but Keller believes that the focus should eventually shift back to the clubs and their supporters.

He acknowledges that MLS has done everything it can to capitalize on Messi's presence but emphasizes that players cannot be bigger than the clubs. Keller supports the Designated Player rule, which allows clubs to sign up to three players whose wages do not count against the salary cap, but he advocates for loosening financial restrictions to enable clubs to build stronger teams.

Despite Messi's influence, Keller's comments highlight the need for MLS to prioritize its clubs and fans in the long term.

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