NBA legend James Harden wants to sign a 'Messi'

Robin Bairner

• 26 Jul 2023 10:44 BST
• 3 min read

NBA legend James Harden says that he is seeking a Lionel Messi for his Houston Dynamo MLS franchise.

Messi has made an immediate impact at Inter Miami, scoring three goals and generating one assist in under two hours of football with David Beckham’s franchise.

Harden, a player for the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, has watched the contribution of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner in awe and would like to see a similar type of player sign for the Houston Dynamo – an MLS franchise that he holds shares in.

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Speaking to USA Today, he said: “We will try to find someone to come to Houston. We all know how incredible Messi is. He is in Miami and this corresponds to the atmosphere he wants. We need someone like that to come to Houston and we will find him.”

Harden, who admitted that he “doesn’t sign anyone”, hailed the impact that Barcelona legend Messi has had on media coverage of MLS.

“MLS is growing with Messi,” he said. “It's a big thing because in America we have never had recognition for footballers. We will see young players develop and it will be good for American soccer culture.”

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Harden's Houston struggling

Houston Dynamo’s most recognisable player is former Porto star Hector Herrera, who is one of three designated players along with Sebastian Ferreira and Teenage Hadebe.

The other notable name on the Dynamo’s roster is former Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko.

Presently on a run in MLS of five games without a win, the Dynamo are ninth in the Western Conference but are in contention to make the playoffs for the first time in their six-year history.

Harden, who spent over eight years of his NBA career with the Houston Rockets, is not used to such struggles. NBA MVP in 2018, the 33-year-old is a 10-time All-Star and has both Olympic and world gold with the US national team.