Lionel Messi's impact on Major League Soccer has sparked a global conversation about whether players in their 40s can perform like 20-year-olds.
This shift in perception matters because it challenges traditional views on athletic decline. By maintaining a high level of play later in his career, Messi provides a blueprint for other veteran athletes to extend their professional lives and remain competitive in top-tier leagues.
Messi joined Inter Miami CF in June 2023 [1]. At the time of his signing with the U.S.-based club, he was 36 years old [1]. His presence has not only increased the profile of the league but has also influenced how the sporting world views aging athletes.
This phenomenon has led to the emergence of the slogan "Los 40 son los nuevos 20" [2]. The phrase suggests that 40-year-old players are now capable of performing at a level comparable to those who are 20. This trend is seen among other veteran footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Rodallega [1], [2].
Major League Soccer has sought to use this influence to occupy a position among the world's greatest leagues [1]. The ability to attract and sustain the performance of global icons, even as they age, serves as a strategic tool for the league's growth. The combination of modern sports science and the sheer talent of these athletes has pushed the boundaries of the expected retirement age.
As more veteran stars migrate to the U.S., the league becomes a testing ground for athletic longevity. The focus has shifted from viewing these signings as mere retirement tours to recognizing them as active, competitive contributions to the sport [1], [2].
“"Los 40 son los nuevos 20"”
The 'Messi Effect' represents a convergence of celebrity branding and sports science. By redefining the competitive window for athletes, MLS is transitioning from a developmental league into a destination where veteran prestige and high-level performance coexist, potentially altering contract structures and retirement expectations across global football.
