Inter Miami's signing of Lionel Messi has “sparked fresh debate about the best strategic path forward for MLS” as owners like Miami’s Jorge Mas, Charlotte FC’s David Tepper, Timbers’ Merritt Paulson and more "continue to advocate to spend more money to grow the league,” according to Tom Bogert of THE ATHLETIC. Union coach Jim Curtin and MF Alejandro Bedoya following a match with Inter Miami and Messi “signaled support for loosening roster restrictions in MLS to allow clubs to spend more freely.” Curtin said, “I think the league rules are going to change. Him (Messi) coming here is going to change a ton, and it should. The training wheels are off.” Bogert noted Inter Miami signed Messi and MF Sergio Busquets with “two of their three designated player (DP) slots.” Miami in turn spent upwards of $15M on "transfer fees to sign highly-rated South American youth internationals Tomas Aviles, Facundo Farias and Diego Gomez." Curtin said Inter Miami is "only going to get better," as their ownership is "going to spend like crazy and make them the best team in the league” (THE ATHLETIC, 8/16).
