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

Ex-USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller has raised questions about the future of Major League Soccer (MLS) once Lionel Messi retires, urging the league not to rely on a single superstar indefinitely. Messi's move to Inter Miami in 2023 drew global attention to MLS, but Keller believes the league's focus must eventually shift back to its clubs and supporters.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, now 39, recently scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami, but Keller doubts he will play for many more years. While acknowledging MLS has done everything to capitalize on Messi's presence, Keller emphasizes that players cannot be bigger than the clubs. He argues that when Messi retires, the league cannot simply replace him, as every club eventually reaches a point where its stars leave.

Keller supports MLS's Designated Player rule but wants to see restrictions loosened, enabling clubs to spend more freely on building teams and winning games. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham, who backs Messi for another Ballon d'Or, has expressed similar sentiments, hoping Messi will continue to perform at a high level. For MLS, Keller's message underscores the need to adapt when the global spotlight shifts away from the league's marquee players.