MLS clubs set to change their pitches to accommodate Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi's arrival at MLS will also see significant changes on club's pitches

Following the spectacular acquisition of Lionel Messi, numerous MLS clubs are anticipated to make significant improvements to their fields.

Messi was formally introduced at a special, sold-out ceremony on Sunday at the club's DRV PNK Stadium after agreeing to a two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami.

On July 21, when the Herons take on Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, he is scheduled to make his Herons bow. Currently, there is a discussion of the absurd increase in the cost of tickets as fans compete to watch the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in action.

For the MLS as an entire, Messi's moving to the United States is a huge thing, and Don Garber, the league's commissioner, has outlined some significant changes that are certain to occur.

Initial security precautions will need to be increased, but Garber is currently talking about the possibility of Messi appearing on entirely synthetic grass.

Messi will face Atlanta United and Charlotte FC this season; Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, New England Revolution, Atlanta United, and other teams already play on artificial grass.

Since Messi has spent almost all of his illustrious career playing on real grass, there are worries that the synthetic playing surfaces could cause injuries.

Miles Robinson and Mark Delgado both sustained injuries in recent years at Atlanta and Vancouver, respectively, while playing on artificial fields.

Garber thinks steps will be taken, with an additional temporary covering of grass as a remedy. He also noted that prior superstars had no issues playing on astroturf.

“A lot of international stars come into Major League Soccer, and they are either intrigued or concerned about not playing on grass. And then you see some of the best players who’ve ever played the game, the (Thierry) Henrys of the world and Kakas of the world, who played on turf.”