Sánchez picks Montreal over South Beach in surprise MLS switch

Alexis Sánchez was introduced as CF Montreal's newest designated player on Tuesday, ending his European career with a move to a club mired at the bottom of the MLS table and winless in its last five matches. The 37-year-old Chilean attacker turned down the chance to reunite with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, instead opting for a cold-weather market best known for its hockey heritage.

News of the signing broke last week, with Montreal plucking Sánchez from European football after a brief stint at Sevilla in which he scored four goals and added two assists in 28 La Liga appearances. Rather than the sun and Latino-influenced culture of South Florida, "El Niño Maravilla" (The Wonder Boy) will now ply his trade in Quebec.

A traditional signing in a changing league

Sánchez represents a more traditional MLS signing at a pivotal moment for the league. After the 2026 World Cup, MLS hopes to attract new fans and media partners, with a shift to a summer-to-spring calendar beginning in July 2027 and sweeping changes to strict squad-building restrictions expected to boost international recruitment.

Luca Saputo, CF Montreal's managing director of recruitment and sporting methodology, framed the move as a footballing decision first and foremost.

"It's mainly a footballing decision. We have a lot of young players here, including many South American players, who can learn a great deal from a player like Alexis. Whenever we make a decision, the first consideration is always what he can bring on the field. But obviously, with a player of Alexis' stature, he brings a lot off the field too. So it ended up being a perfect fit."

The signing resembles that of James Rodríguez, who joined Minnesota United in February but managed only six games for the 35-year-old Colombia captain. Montreal will be keen to avoid a similar outcome.

"I want to bring joy to the people"

Sánchez, whose club career has spanned Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Marseille, said the project appealed to him precisely because of its ambition to grow.

"This is something new. It's a club that wants to grow, a city that wants to grow. They told me hockey is very big here too, so I hope football can become the same. That passion, people coming to the stadium, enjoying it with family. And I can bring some joy to the people, too."

The Chilean, who won back-to-back Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016, wants to mentor Montreal's young players, win titles and set a new professional standard at the club.

"I'll demand more from (the younger players). I want the kids to learn because I know they love football. I think my role in recent years has been to be professional, so the young players can learn from me, showing that the team has heart and grit, and plays good football."

Inspired by Messi, Suárez and Lewandowski

Sánchez said he was motivated to make the leap to MLS by watching the league's growing roster of global stars. Sevilla had wanted him for one more year, but he chose to close his European chapter.

"I'm very competitive by nature. Sevilla wanted me for one more year, but I made the decision that it was time to end my European chapter and come here to Montreal. I saw that all the world-class players were coming here. I was watching Messi, (Luis) Suárez, (Robert) Lewandowski and I said, 'Why not come and give myself the chance to play here with the best players in the world?' To compete, which is what I love."

Sánchez, who insists he can still outrun Sevilla's 22-year-olds, has joined first-team training and is targeting Saturday's game against LA Galaxy to connect with the city's growing population of Chilean expats. When asked about his influence on Chilean football and its children, he flashed his trademark smile.

"I'm very loved back home by the kids, and by the grandmothers, too. I'm very happy about that."

The question now is whether he can capture the hearts and minds of Montrealers — and help lift a side desperately short on form.