Don Garber rejects claims American league lacks global relevance
Don Garber, commissioner of Major League Soccer, has responded strongly to criticism from Egypt regarding the prospect of Mohamed Salah moving to the United States.
The comments follow remarks made by Ibrahim Hassan, director of the Egyptian national team, who cautioned Salah against joining MLS. Hassan suggested the move could reduce the player’s visibility and even lead to him being “forgotten,” drawing comparisons with Lionel Messi.
The debate has intensified after Salah confirmed he will leave Liverpool FC at the end of the 2025–2026 season on a free transfer, prompting speculation about his next destination.
Garber dismisses claims over Messi and visibility
In an interview with The Guardian, Garber rejected the notion that players lose prominence by joining MLS, particularly referencing Messi’s global stature.
“This is the first time I’ve heard of something like this. Lionel Messi is the most popular player in the world, he always has been and he still is. I’d be happy to send an Apple subscription to the president of the Egyptian Football Association so that he can watch as many of Messi’s matches as possible.”
His remarks underline MLS’s efforts to challenge perceptions about its competitiveness and global reach.
Changing perceptions of MLS
Garber acknowledged that such views reflect longstanding scepticism toward the league but argued that attitudes have evolved significantly over time.
“I think Ibrahim Hassan’s point of view reflects the challenges facing the MLS on its path to becoming a major player on the global stage. I remember that not so long ago, the Mexican national team coaches used to say: If you play in the MLS, you won’t play for the national team. That’s no longer true today. We have international players who play in the league, and there are even two or three players who represent Argentina and play here.”
His comments suggest that MLS has made strides in attracting international talent and gaining recognition beyond North America.
Defence of league’s progress and infrastructure
Garber went on to defend the league’s development, pointing to its facilities, player pathways, and growing influence.
“We constantly deal with this perception that we as Americans will never succeed, and that’s simply not true. We have dozens of players who graduated from MLS clubs and are playing in Europe. We have some of the best players in the world here. We have the best facilities compared to any league in the world. We have a national team coach (Mauricio Pochettino) with global experience who believes in MLS. I’ve faced skepticism for 27 years, and it has never stopped me and it never will.”
The reference to Mauricio Pochettino highlights the league’s connection to experienced figures within the global game.
Salah’s future remains uncertain
With Salah set to depart Liverpool, speculation continues about his next move, with Europe, Saudi Arabia, and MLS all considered potential destinations.
The contrasting views between Hassan and Garber reflect a broader debate about the role of emerging leagues in world football and the career paths of elite players.
While no decision has yet been announced, the discussion surrounding Salah’s future has already sparked a wider conversation about visibility, competitiveness and the evolving landscape of global football.
