Antoine Griezmann, Orlando City’s new star, believes MLS has taken a giant step after Lionel Messi arrived – and promises to win trophies.
Lionel Messi, who was a shadow of himself in the final against Spain, has nevertheless had a huge impact on football interest in the United States. – Antoine Griezmann believes he is important for the level of football in MLS.
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The 2018 French World Cup champion will be Orlando City’s new front figure. On Thursday, he held his first press conference in New York, where he took his hat off to what he calls a “significant growth” in the North American league.
“The passion for soccer among the American public has increased significantly since Messi arrived,” Griezmann said at an MLS event in New York.
“World-class players come here to compete and win, and it raises the level of the league. I’ve come here to win and perform at my highest level to lift trophies,” the new Orlando player added.
Will debut in a week
Griezmann will make his debut for Orlando City away to the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, July 22.
“I’ve been training for two weeks and have really enjoyed playing with my teammates in the two friendlies we’ve played. I’m looking forward to making my debut,” he said.
The Frenchman will wear his usual number seven shirt at Orlando City and share the dressing room with Argentine midfielder Martín Ojeda.
“Perfect time for a new chapter”
The former Atlético Madrid player added that both he and his wife had fallen in love with the club’s philosophy and the city.
“It’s the perfect time to come here and take this big step,” said the 35-year-old striker.
His contract with Orlando City runs until the end of the 2027/28 season. Griezmann announced the transfer back in March, but only joined the Florida-based team in July – after finishing the season with Atlético Madrid and taking a summer break.
He retired as a national team player for France in September 2024 and therefore did not participate in this year’s World Cup.
Comes to a club in crisis
Griezmann arrives in the middle of the season – and Orlando City need him. The club sits in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with just 14 points, four fewer than D.C. United who hold the last play-in spot.
With Griezmann’s arrival, the club hopes to turn around a disappointing season.
MLS star parade
Griezmann will be one of several big profiles in a league that has attracted names such as:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Luis Suárez (Uruguay)
- Son Heung-min (South Korea)
- Thomas Müller (Germany)
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – newcomer this summer
The Florida derby gets hotter
Griezmann’s signing will also intensify the rivalry between Orlando City and Inter Miami – Florida’s two MLS clubs.
Griezmann has played alongside both Messi and Suárez at Barcelona, while the Uruguayan was also his teammate at Atlético Madrid. Now they meet as opponents in the United States.
“I wish my former teammates all the best in the World Cup final,” said Griezmann, who is watching Spain and Argentina from the sidelines.
Now his MLS debut awaits – and Griezmann has big plans for his new club.
