MLS urged to prioritise youth development when Messi retires

MLS is being urged to move away from a Lionel Messi playbook and invest more in youth development. The Herons have tied their talismanic captain to a contract through 2028, by which point Messi will be 41 and about ready to retire, prompting questions about what happens next.

Giuseppe Rossi, vice-chairman and head of soccer at the New York Cosmos, warned that building from the top down forces the league to rely on stars such as Messis, Beckhams, Ibrahimovic or Ronaldo. He said: 'We shall see what happens post-Messi. Hopefully things are shifting away from a Messi figure or a Ronaldo figure and more into a league that does develop young kids, that does care about the structure of the youth.

So we'll only find out after 2028, I guess.' Former defender Terry Phelan argued the MLS model will endure, pointing to healthy attendances and the momentum from events like the World Cup. 'I don’t think it bursts,' he said, and added there will always be one or two late‑career stars who can excite the fan base.

USA, New York

mls, lionel messi, youth development, herons, giuseppe rossi, cosmos, 2028, retirement, terry phelan, attendances