da luck： GOAL runs through the most significant signings in the league's history.
da aviator aposta： Since its foundation in 1993, MLS has been able to attract some of the most famous faces in soccer.
From Champions League winners to World Cup icons, several legendary figures have spent parts of their career in North America, adding much-needed global appeal and legitimacy to a competition that is still very much growing.
However, we've also seen the arrival of potential superstars with something to prove, as well as the return of homegrown heroes who played a major role in changing the entire perception of the brand.
So, with Lionel Messi making his long-awaited move to Inter Miami, this seems like the perfect time for GOAL to run through the most significant signings in MLS history…
GettyDavid Beckham
The man that changed everything.
Without Beckham, there would be no Designated Player rule and, with no Designated Player rule, most of this list wouldn't be possible. The England icon's decision to join the LA Galaxy changed American soccer forever and, through his ownership of Inter Miami, he's still a key figure in MLS today.
By signing Beckham, the LA Galaxy solidified their place as MLS' Hollywood franchise, a reputation that continues today.
During his time in MLS, Beckham won two MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields, made a whole bunch of money for himself and the league and, perhaps most importantly for his own legacy, became a trailblazer that ushered in a new era of star power in American soccer.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALLionel Messi
Beckham walked so that Messi could run when it comes to MLS moves, which makes it fitting that it's the English icon himself that finally convinced the ex-Barcelona star to finally come stateside.
Messi's move to MLS is the biggest since Beckham, and almost certainly the biggest in MLS history. After several years of pursuit, Inter Miami finally got their guy, bringing the Argentinian star to MLS fresh off his unforgettable World Cup win in Qatar.
With Messi's starpower leading the way, MLS will head into a new stratosphere just as North American soccer gears up for the 2026 World Cup. It'll take years to fully appreciate what Messi's arrival will mean to the game in this part of the world but there's no doubt that it'll never be the same.
GettyCarlos Valderrama
While Beckham may have changed the game, he wasn't MLS' first global star.
That distinction falls to Valderrama, the famous Colombian maestro known for his incredible afro and his even better playmaking.
El Pibe was in MLS from 1997 to 2002, playing for the Miami Fusion, Tampa Bay Mutiny and Colorado Rapids. Yes, Valderrama spent several years in snowy Colorado!
Valderrama offered the league a bit of legitimacy during the late 90s and early 2000s while capturing the hearts of those that loved his flamboyant style of play.
GettyThierry Henry
Perhaps the best player in Premier League history, Henry didn't hold back upon arriving in MLS.
Henry was brought in by the New York Red Bulls to be the star attraction for their new stadium, and he lived up to every bit of the hype.
During his time stateside, Henry treated every game like the Champions League final, an attitude that endeared him to those that followed the league.
From knowing the specifics of every team to his frequent praise of some of American soccer's rising stars, Henry brought a new level of professionalism and detail to the American game.
And, oh yeah, he also scored lots of goals too, 52 to be precise.