Lionel Messi’s arrival heralds change in MLS; new real grass pitches, fresher timings

As Lionel Messi was unveiled Inter Miami at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday, some of the changes that the league is set to make in light of the Argentine superstar joining the MLS, were revealed the league’s commissioner Don Garber.
As of now, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, New England Revolution, Atlanta United and Charlotte FC are the clubs that operate with an artificial football pitch. Messi is likely to play against Atlanta United and Charlotte FC this season.
“MLS promotes a lot of international games and we have been able to bring natural grass into those stadiums, but we’ve never done that for a regular season game,” Garber told reporters, as per The Athletic.
“My expectations are that that’s what they will do, but there’s a lot of work that needs to be done to figure all of that out.
Artificial turf is easier to maintain for clubs, and is thus preferred. But the issue with it is that there is an increase in injuries that take place, across sport. In fact, the National Football League in USA (American football), has had players for years talking about a real grass pitch being used for games instead of a synthetic pitch.
“A lot of international stars come into Major League Soccer, and they are either intrigued or concerned about not playing on grass. And then you see some of the best players who’ve ever played the game, the (Thierry) Henrys of the world and Kakas of the world, who played on turf.”
Garber also hinted that the MLS could change the timings of their game to suit a global audience better. Currently a game in Miami at 7:30 PM would mean a 12:30 AM telecast in England and a 1:30 AM showing in Europe.
Messi is expected to play his first game for Inter Miami against Mexican team Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup on July 21. The scramble for tickets has already begun with fans queuing up to watch the seven-time Ballon d’Or’s debut away from Europe.