Will Lionel Messi finally make the U.S. a soccer nation?

Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s move to US Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami could boost the sport’s popularity in the country.

Background: Lionel Messi, often referred to as the greatest player of his generation, recently rejected a $1.6 billion contract with a Saudi Arabian club, opting instead to join Inter Miami in the MLS.
* The move has drawn global attention due to his departure from the high-profile European leagues.

Potential Impact: History has demonstrated that the presence of superstars can invigorate interest in a league.
* David Beckham’s tenure with L.A. Galaxy in the mid-2000s had a significant positive effect on the league and stadium attendance.

What’s Next: Messi’s debut with Inter Miami took place on Friday against Mexico’s Cruz Azul, where he scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time.
* He is reportedly earning $60 million a year and is also set to receive a percentage of revenue from new subscribers to Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.

Who said what: MLS Commissioner Don Garber highlighted the importance of integrating the league into global football conversations to compete with established European leagues and other major domestic sports.
* Garber believes that Messi’s success in the U.S. also entails his integration into American culture, with his viral posts from South Florida grocery stores being a part of the process.

View original article on NPR

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