Lionel Messi's standout performances for Argentina at this World Cup are doing more than simply guiding his nation toward the title — they are also fuelling the rise of MLS, according to former professional defender Greg Garza.

Messi, who plays his club football for Inter Miami, has scored seven goals as Argentina advance to the Round of 16. Those displays have also lifted him to the top of the World Cup's all-time scoring charts, with 20 goals across his tournament career.

Young fans and the MLS connection

Garza believes the global spotlight on Messi carries real commercial weight for the American league. Speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo, he said: "Lionel Messi representing MLS and also playing for the Argentinian national team in the World Cup is unbelievable."

"I think if you are a young boy you could have never fathomed the idea of watching YouTube for the very first time and thinking that that guy would ever be in this league and representing this crest and this badge within a World Cup."

Messi is one of 45 active MLS players selected for this World Cup — a figure Garza describes as a remarkable milestone for a league now celebrating its 30th anniversary.

"Way down to the 45th player is still an incredible opportunity for these guys to be in that position to represent their club, country, and community," Garza added. "And I think that's the coolest part as well from the fan base — to see these players that you watch week in, week out, come to a realization that they are playing on the biggest stage."

Three decades of growth

MLS was founded in 1996, two years after USA 94, and with North America co-hosting the current tournament, Garza sees the timing as a defining moment for the league's future.

"The biggest goal for all of us is just the eyeballs that are on the platform of what soccer is in this country today," he said. "The World Cup will continue to create that kind of fever and create more viewers for this league once the tournament ends."

Garza, who made his name at Atlanta United and Cincinnati, pointed to MLS's diversity as another strength, noting that over 80 countries are represented across the league's rosters.

"MLS is one of the most diverse leagues in the whole entire world," he said. "The opportunities this league has created for so many people to watch from around the world have really created substantial growth over the past three decades."

He also credited league commissioner Don Garber's long-term vision, saying the promises made years ago about securing another World Cup on American soil — and where MLS would stand by that point — have been vindicated. "I'm sure a lot of people probably would have said: 'No, you're crazy. It's not going to happen,' but now you can just look at it and say 'we told you so'."