Lionel Messi’s influence on Major League Soccer (MLS) has been praised by Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed manager of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). The Argentine superstar’s presence is “impossible to measure.” Pochettino discussed Messi’s impact since joining Inter Miami in an interview with CNN Mexico, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to have a significant impact on North American soccer going forward.
The Impact of Messi on MLS
Pochettino, who is acquainted with Messi from their shared membership at Newell’s Old Boys, where they both played in their formative years, complimented Messi on raising the bar for MLS competition. He thinks Messi’s arrival has already had a significant impact on the league and its players, raising expectations and igniting interest in soccer in the US.
Pochettino on Messi’s Impact
In the interview, Pochettino explained:
“The impact is impossible to measure because it is incredible. Not only on the fans, but on everything. The ability to motivate everyone, the entire structure around him, but the impact of seeing him compete with the players, especially those in MLS… It will have an impact not only in the present, but over time, in the medium and long term.”
Pochettino emphasized that having the world’s best player competing in MLS boosts confidence and belief in what can be achieved in the future, not just for the league, but for soccer in North America overall.
