Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 flipped Major League Soccer on its head. Fast forward to 2026, and the league is bustling with international stars, thanks in large part to Messi’s bold leap. As of March 2026, French forward Antoine Griezmann is the latest high-profile name flirting with MLS. He’s interested in joining Orlando City. But for Griezmann, it’s not just about following a trend; he’s eyeing a move that echoes Messi’s American success.
Griezmann’s MLS Attraction and Potential Orlando Move
Griezmann’s love for American culture isn’t some fad he’s just picked up. No, he’s dreamed for years of ending his career on U.S. soil, in a league that promises both the thrills of competition and the draw of its distinct lifestyle. At 34, Griezmann isn’t the automatic starter he once was at Atletico Madrid. The time for a new challenge seems ripe, and Orlando City, holding his MLS discovery rights, appears keen. They’re pulling out all the stops, even sending their general manager to Spain to clinch the deal.
The numbers being tossed around for Griezmann’s move sound strikingly similar to Messi’s Miami windfall. But there’s more at play here than just money. MLS offers him regular game time and a stage to prepare for the World Cup, something he can’t count on in Spain. With the MLS transfer window about to slam shut, the clock is ticking. Will Griezmann take the plunge in time? Watching Messi thrive in Miami could be the nudge he needs.
Inter Miami’s Ambitions: Messi’s Continuing Influence
Messi’s magic isn’t confined to the pitch; it has changed Inter Miami’s whole operation. The latest transfer window was a whirlwind, with strategic buys that strengthen the club’s formidable lineup. Young talents like Matías Acevedo show the club’s eye on the future, hoping to sustain the momentum Messi has sparked.
And there’s the soon-to-open Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, a proof of the off-field rise Messi has build. It’s not just fans who are drawn in; global partners like Nu view the club as a bridge to the vast North American markets.
Inter Miami’s game plan is no secret: build on Messi’s immense brand value while setting the stage for lasting dominance. Their MLS Cup triumphs and aggressive signings prove they’re aiming high. But can they keep this ambitious course, even with Messi pulling the strings? That’s the question.
Messi’s MLS presence sends waves through Miami and over to Orlando. Griezmann isn’t just after a paycheck or a new league; he’s chasing a blueprint that Messi laid out. This is more than switching jerseys; it’s a cultural journey that players and the league eagerly embrace. The next few weeks will tell if Griezmann is ready to join Messi in this American saga.
