Soccer-Messi mania highlights 'epic' year for MLS, Garber says

Soccer Football - Club Friendly - Inter Miami v New York City Football Club - DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States - November 10, 2023 Lionel Messi poses with his eighth Ballon d'Or, Inter Miami co-owner Jose Mas and Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber during the Noche d'Or ceremony ahead of the match REUTERS/Marco Bello/ File photo

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Lionel Messi's arrival in the U.S. this year helped Major League Soccer shatter attendance records at home while elevating its profile abroad, commissioner Don Garber told Reuters.

"His impact has been unimaginable," Garber said in an interview on the same day Messi was named Time's Athlete of the Year for 2023.