MLS Commissioner Garber Fires Back at Egyptian Executive Over Salah Comments
Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has issued a sharp rebuttal to Egyptian national team director Ibrahim Hassan, who recently advised Liverpool star Mohamed Salah to avoid a move to MLS, calling the league "too far out of the spotlight." In an interview with the Guardian, Garber suggested Hassan should watch Lionel Messi's performances for Inter Miami to understand the league's global appeal.
Garber's Direct Response to Hassan's Criticism
Speaking at league meetings in Sarasota, Florida, Garber expressed surprise at Hassan's remarks, stating he had never heard such a perspective before. "Well, that's the first time that I've ever heard anything like that," Garber said. "Leo Messi is the most popular player in the world. He was, and he still is. I'd be happy to send an Apple subscription to the head of the Egyptian FA so he can watch as many Messi games as he'd like."
Hassan had argued that Salah should remain in Europe when he departs Liverpool, adding that if no European offers materialise, the Saudi Pro League would be a preferable alternative. This critique taps into longstanding perceptions about MLS's quality, which Garber acknowledged as part of the league's developmental challenges.
Historical Context of MLS Skepticism
Garber noted that skepticism towards MLS is not new, recalling past instances where international figures questioned its relevance. In 2016, Italian coach Gian Piero Ventura omitted Sebastian Giovinco from the national squad, citing that the player competed in "a league that doesn't matter much," despite Giovinco's success with Toronto FC.
However, Garber highlighted how MLS has evolved, pointing to its role in preparing players for major tournaments. For example, Gareth Bale's move to Los Angeles FC ahead of the 2022 World Cup was praised by Wales manager Rob Page as "the right move." Similarly, Colombia's James Rodríguez and Brazil's Júlio César have used MLS stints to gear up for World Cup appearances.
Evidence of MLS Growth and Global Impact
Garber emphasised the league's progress, citing its contribution to national teams. "I can remember, not that long ago, Mexican national team coaches saying: 'If you're in MLS, you're not going to play for our national team.' That's not the case today," he said. Recent examples include Mexican starters Obed Vargas and Brian Gutiérrez, who developed in MLS academies.
Statistically, MLS supplied 36 players for the 2022 World Cup squads, the most from any league outside Europe's top five. In Opta's league power rankings as of March 30, MLS sits 13th globally, positioned between Poland's and Croatia's top flights, and ranks as the third-highest circuit outside Europe after Argentina's and Brazil's leagues. In contrast, the Saudi Pro League is rated 37th.
Garber's Vision and Ongoing Challenges
Despite these advancements, Garber admitted that perception issues persist. "We're just constantly dealing with this perspective that we, Americans, will never get it, and it's just not true," he stated. He pointed to MLS's facilities, player development, and high-profile signings like Messi as proof of its rising stature.
The commissioner, who has expressed interest in seeing Salah join MLS, remains undeterred by criticism. "I've been dealing with skepticism for 27 years. It's never stopped me, and it never will," Garber affirmed. The ongoing GA Cup youth tournament in Bradenton, featuring academies from clubs like FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Münich, further underscores MLS's growing influence in global football.
