That this big name happens to be a soccer player is significant.Īnticipation of Messi's arrival will be the first stage of his American story, when the effect he's having on the game there will be seen in real time. No-one can overlook the biggest name in world sports. Since Messi's announcement, though, it has featured regularly as a main story. MLS is not always taken as seriously as these and is often an afterthought in general sports coverage, if it is thought of at all. Will the enthusiasm end when he leaves or will Messi's magic see domestic soccer strengthen across the nation?Īt the moment, North American men's professional sports consist primarily of the 'Big Four' major leagues - basketball (NBA), baseball (MLB), American football (NFL) and ice hockey (NHL). The depth of influence Messi has will depend on whether his impact goes beyond the superficial. Propelling it to the front and centre of the conversation in American sports, rather than an appendage. Messi's move will partly be judged, whether he likes it or not, on the growth of soccer in America during his time there. The move has echoes of Beckham, who joined LA Galaxy in 2007, and of Pele, who was drawn to the American soccer package at New York Cosmos in the old NASL in the 1970s. From shy genius to 'bad boy' leader - Messi's Qatar transformation.Quiz: How well do you know Lionel Messi?. ![]() These are big moments for Messi at the end of his playing career - he'll be 36 by the time he's eligible to play his first game for Miami - but they are potentially even bigger moments for football in the USA. Messi could be a catalyst, building momentum for the sport in the United States in the three years before they co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.īefore that, the USA will also host the 2024 Copa America, meaning Messi could not only play his final game in club football in the States but likely his final major international tournament too.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |