​Photo by Rich Storry – Leagues Cup/MLS via Getty ImagesFormer USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller has questioned what comes next for MLS once Lionel Messi retires, insisting the league cannot rely on one superstar forever.Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 brought global attention to MLS, with the Argentine continuing to make headlines during his time in the league. Keller believes MLS has done what it can to benefit from his presence, but the focus must eventually shift back to its clubs and supporters.Messi is now 39 and recently scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami during a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup. Keller does not expect the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to play for many more years.Photo by Kevin Ng/Getty ImagesKasey Keller says MLS must put clubs and fans first after MessiKeller was asked whether MLS had fully capitalised on Messi’s popularity and pointed to how other major stars have influenced clubs and leagues in the past.“I think they’ve have done everything they can to capitalize off Messi playing in MLS. But was Manchester United, George Best? Was Arsenal, Thierry Henry? So it’s those little things that yes, it has been good for MLS, it has brought a lot of attention to the league and what he has been able to continually do,” Keller told Heavy Sports.He then delivered the key question surrounding MLS’ future without Messi.“I don’t think players can be bigger than the clubs. Clubs have to be first and foremost. Messi is going to retire in a year or two, and then what? You can’t replace him, it’s impossible. Every club when there’s a string of stars or a time period lapses, it finally comes to its natural end,” Keller said. “So the league has done what it could with Messi, but it still has to be the teams and the fans first.”Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP via Getty ImagesKeller also discussed the league’s Designated Player rule, which allows clubs to sign up to three players whose wages do not count against the salary cap.He supports the concept but wants MLS to loosen its financial restrictions, saying: “I’d love to see the Designated Player rule truly re-become the Designated Player rule. And then open up the financial training wheels, and let the clubs figure out how to best spend their money. To be able to build a team and win.”Meanwhile, Messi’s influence remains clear. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has backed him to win another Ballon d’Or after his World Cup performances, saying, “He, in my opinion, he should win it.”For MLS, Keller’s point is about what happens when that global spotlight eventually moves elsewhere.Read more:Lionel Messi is now the joint-most decorated figure in football history alongside former managerLionel Messi outperformed Erling Haaland and other Ballon d’Or nominees in key metric across 25/26Mauricio Pochettino calls up 16-year-old MLS wonderkid as USMNT rebuild begins after World Cup