Is Pep Guardiola the man to replace Lionel Messi as MLS's crown jewel?

The absence of another player at Lionel Messi’s level makes it difficult for any league to replicate his social media impact, record attendances, global merchandise visibility, and extensive media coverage. Instead of targeting a single superstar, MLS could focus on acquiring a manager as its central attraction. Pep Guardiola’s planned departure from Manchester City creates a pathway for a lateral move that could benefit both the league and Guardiola. Guardiola is expected to become a global ambassador within City Football Group, providing technical advice to clubs including New York City FC. A shift away from daily club coaching could also open possibilities such as managing a national team, though Guardiola has previously indicated he wants a long break from coaching.

"It has led to a desperate trend of labelling every promising youngster the next Messi', but such was (and remarkably still is) the Argentinian's quality, that there may not be another player at his level for decades. There may never be one. If the wider soccer world is struggling with this, what chance does MLS have? It will be almost impossible to replicate the social media hits, the record-breaking attendances across North America, the Inter Miami shirts seen around the world, and the unprecedented media coverage of the league."

"The solution may be more obvious than it first appears, and may be better for the sport in the US than any player, even Messi. Its feasibility increased on Friday when it was officially announced that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer. If you've reached a peak in one area by signing the best player ever, the best next step is lateral. The league should not target a player but a manager to become MLS's crown jewel."

"And who better to provide a link to Messi after his departure than his mentor. There could be an upside for Guardiola too. He has achieved everything he can in European club football from the Champions League to domestic titles and cups so why not move to a different continent altogether? This is reflected in the role he will assume immediately on leaving Manchester City, which will see him become a global ambassador at City Football Group."

"Responsibilities will include giving technical advice to clubs in the group, one of which is MLS's New York City FC. Another possible move away from the day-to-day of club coaching would be to manage a national team. Guardiola has been linked to the USMNT job in the past, but he has suggested he wants to take a long break from coaching. I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I will be out for a while, he"

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