Inter Miami's 'Messi effect' attracts hyped Argentinian youth prospect

With Messi on the line, Redondo appears to have turned his focus on MLS. The Herald predicted Miami will pay a $8M transfer fee for the Argentinian, who will then qualify as a U-22 signing under MLS rules. That designation is important because it reduces Redondo's wage hit to Miami's salary cap by a full $200,000 until he turns 22.

Miami's interest in Redondo increased when its existing U22 South American signing, Uruguayan forward Facundo Farias, suffered a season-ending knee injury a few weeks ago. 

Redondo's style is far more physical and defensive than Farias', but that's good news for Miami. It has been caught out repeatedly in defensive midfield over the course of its ill-fated preseason tour. At 6-foot-2, Redondo should bring height, muscle and speed to the center of the park and complement Busquets nicely. He's a world-class defensive midfielder but one lacking in all three of those departments at this stage of his career.

While final negotiations for Redondo and Miami are ongoing, the seriousness of their talks is fantastic news for MLS. The league is not helped in the long term when age 30-plus superstars David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale or Messi join the league. It's helped by the young players they inspire, however. 

Seeing globally recognized youth prospects like Redondo choosing the United States and MLS over European leagues is exactly the kind of "Messi effect" fans of the league need.