The United States has witnessed a significant rise in the popularity of soccer. Once known to have underwhelming numbers, the community of the beautiful game has come a long way in the country. Despite the dominance of the USWNT and the constantly progressing NWSL being a potent force, the arrival of Lionel Messi prompted the paradigm shift. But the job is just half done, as the US must do more to progress in the sport. Hence, a former Premier League star reveals how MLS and Messi can make soccer the best in the USA.

Recently, on Gary Lineker’s podcast, Micah Richards felt that the US, having a great sporting culture, can capitalize on Lionel Messi and MLS’s efforts. He said, “I think if they took it proper seriously in terms of number one sport like Alex said, I think they’d have a massive, massive chance,” seeking diligence. However, Richards gave a further roadmap for the sport in the USA.

Richards further said, “America is so diverse as well. So you’re not just getting Americans. You have people over there from all sorts of backgrounds. If you look at athletics like fitness wise, strength wise they can compete. If they just had the coaching, then definitely, yeah, I would say they could,” suggesting a more robust approach. In response to Alan Shearer’s assertion, it was mentioned that Messi’s arrival positively impacted soccer in America.

Meanwhile, the United States finds itself at a pivotal moment for the advancement of the most popular sport globally. Hosting the 2024 Copa America presents a significant opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the sport, particularly in light of their co-hosting duties for the 2026 World Cup. Leading up to that, the acquisition of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has the potential to be another watershed moment, as stated by Shearer, who was also in the podcast.

Alan Shearer emphasizes on the Lionel Messi effect

Shearer mentioned earlier how the enthusiasm for soccer has risen in the USA in the last ten years. However, he credited Lionel Messi for the primary change. He stated, “Messi’s also played a part in that because the interest in him and Miami and everything else is gone off the charts,” further reasoning that Messi’s global ‘number of followers’ and their interest in MLS made soccer ‘bigger and bigger.” 

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On the other hand, the Messi effect has been unreal. From ticket sales to Apple MLS season pass subscriptions, the numbers have skyrocketed apart from parameters like celebrity engagement and merchandise sales. Despite so much buzz, will soccer become a highly preferred sport in the USA, competing with the likes of the NFL and the NBA? Let us know in the comments.

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