Inter Miami already had the actual Sergio Busquets. Now they also have the young midfielder described as his natural successor. Federico Redondo certainly isn’t the biggest name or most recognisable face to have pitched up at Chase Stadium recently, but his arrival in Major League Soccer proves Inter Miami’s project is about more than just Messi.
Of course, a lot of it is about Messi. He’s the reason countless celebrities – including Will Smith for last week’s season opener – have made the trip to Fort Lauderdale for a game. He has doubled Inter Miami’s valuation as a franchise to $1bn and sold out stadiums in El Salvador, Hong Kong, Japan and Saudi Arabia on a global pre-season tour. There is a gravity around Messi and MLS has been sucked into it.
