Major League Soccer is all set for an increase in popularity with the sensation signing of Lionel Messi. The perhaps best player in history will represent Major League Soccer team Inter Miami after leaving French champions Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Ligue 1 championship in each of his two seasons with the team.

No player with similar stature joined MLS earlier however in many circumstances, high-profile players with European success also came to the country to have a taste of football there.

Even currently, famous European players like Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Bernardeschi Xherdan Shaqiri, etc are part of the tournament. On that note, here we have taken a look at five big players who created a buzz after arriving in MLS-

1. David Beckham

The England international was one of the most popular figures in Sporting history when he signed for MLS side LA Galaxy in 2007. He shockingly joined the franchise from Real Madrid at just 32 years of age.

His arrival at MLS was significant for its meteoric increase in popularity at that time. Beckham has had a wonderful time in the United States where he won two MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields. He is currently the owner of Inter Miami, the club where Lionel Messi will play.

2. Wayne Rooney

A true legend of the game and one of the most decorated Premier League players ever, the Manchester United legend left England for MLS in 2018 after his stints with Everton.

Rooney signed for DC United and recorded an impressive 25 goals and 14 assists in 52 games before hanging up his boots. He is currently the coach of the same side having joined them in 2022.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

After two decades of playing top-level football with Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United the Swedish legend joined MLS side La Galaxy in 2018 and immediately made a mark.

He announced his arrival with a sublime 45 yards volley in his debut game and maintained the scoring streak since then for two straight years before returning to Europe again with AC Milan where he retired recently.

4. Thierry Henry

After a hugely successful career with Arsenal and Barcelona as well as in French national colours, the French legend signed for NY Red Bulls in 2010 in his twilight.

Henry managed a fairly good goal-scoring record in MLS as well with 52 goals and 42 assists in 135 games before retiring in 2015 as a player.

5. Kaka

Considered one of the best players of his generation, Kaka arrived in MLS with Orlando City in 2014. A World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002 and 2007 Ballon d'Or winner he played for three seasons before hanging his boots in 2017.

Apart from them, other notable players to feature in MLS include the likes of David Villa, Frank Lampard, Gonzalo Higuain, Gareth Bale, Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Steven Gerrard, etc.