The biggest MLS stars of all time as Messi heads for Miami

Lionel Messi is set to be the latest star in Europe to make the switch to Major League Soccer as the World Cup winner heads for Inter Miami.

The 35-year-old is leaving Paris Saint-Germain and will follow in the footsteps of some of football's greatest icons in the United States.

As Messi prepares for the switch, we take a look at some of the biggest stars who have played in the MLS.

David Beckham (LA Galaxy)

Global superstar David Beckham rounded off his stint as a Galactico in 2007 and joined LA Galaxy in a statement move at the time.

The former England midfielder featured 124 times, scoring 20 goals and grabbing 42 assists before departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.

Gareth Bale (Los Angeles)

Wales legend Gareth Bale helped Los Angeles win the MLS Cup in just 14 appearances.

The Welsh wizard has won a trophy at every club he played at since leaving Southampton in 2007 and his three goals in the Golden State were enough to help the Falcons win their first major piece of silverware.

Andrea Pirlo (New York City)

Andrea Pirlo remained one of football's classiest players when he joined New York City in 2015 — playing 60 times and notching 10 goal contributions.

His three-year stay in the MLS was not trophy-laden, but the Italian maestro was a pleasure to watch, even in the twilight of his career.

Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)

Former Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry was far from finished when he opted to join New York Red Bulls at 32 years old.

The 123-cap international tallied nearly 100 goal contributions in 135 appearances for the club and was a recipient of the Supporters' Shield in 2013.

Frank Lampard (New York City)

After his memorable move to Manchester City in the Premier League, Frank Lampard spent some time dominating the top flight across the pond.

His 31 appearances for the Pigeons were prolific — Lampard scored 15 goals and provided four assists in one season.

Kaka (Orlando City)

Kaka's legacy spans across the globe with AC Milan, Real Madrid and Orlando City.

The Brazilian did not lose his touch when he opted to move to the Sunshine State, finding the back of the net on 24 occasions.

Wayne Rooney (DC United)

Wayne Rooney's time in the MLS is memorable for his assist in added time against Orlando City in 2018.

The Manchester United icon tracked back into his own half before winning the ball and then sent a perfect cross towards Luciano Acosta to bag his hat-trick and give DC United the win.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (LA Galaxy)

LA Galaxy have a long list of stars who have joined their ranks and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was one of the most high-profile signings in MLS history.

The recently retired striker scored 53 goals in 58 appearances for Galaxy.

Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact)

Didier Drogba's move to Montreal Impact came three years after his heroics for Chelsea in the Champions League final.

In 41 outings for the club, the Ivorian bagged 23 times and notched seven assists.

Steven Gerrard (LA Galaxy)

Steven Gerrard only played for two clubs in his career, Liverpool and LA Galaxy.

The Merseyside lad hung his boots up in 2017, but not before he tallied 20 goal contributions over 39 appearances for Galaxy.

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