GOD BLESSED AMERICA

MLS chief says the arrival of Leo will finally make the USA a real player in world football

- JOHN CROSS

LIONEL MESSI will “dramatically change the perception” of Major League Soccer with his move to Inter Miami.

World Cup winner Messi, 36, made his unforgettable debut in front of a sell-out crowd in a sporting moment none of them will ever forget.

And MLS commissioner Don Garber believes it only goes to prove it is time to stop labelling the game in the USA as some sort of “retirement home”.

Messi’s incredible start with an injury-time winner in the 2-1 MLS Leagues Cup triumph over Mexican side Cruz Azul made headlines all over the world as he announced his arrival in the most spectacular fashion (he celebrates, right).

Inter Miami has attracted three former Barcelona legends, in Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. But they beat off Saudi Arabia and Barca to sign Messi who will join the likes of David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to play in the US.